A Fine Late Medieval German Bronze Haquebut Barrel, ca. 1500-10
 

From technical analyses carried out in the 1960'-70's, we have learned that 15th and early 16th c. South German gun bronze (Geschützbronze) barrels mostly were an alloy consisting of about 80 per cent copper, 18 per cent pewter and the rest splitting among zinc and such unusual components as small traces of silver. There is a high probability that the barrel in question was cast in one of the renowned Nuremberg workshops in the early years of the 16th c.

The stylistic elements of the short barrel, the stock of which is missing, scarce and plain though they are, clearly class the barrel exactly in the center at the turn of the Latest Gothic and Early Reniassance works of arts and crafts, like architectural columns: of octagonal section throughout swelling towards the base, with fully developed standing rear sight, reinforced short muzzle ring and rounded, the upturned edge acting as a foresight, rear loop and staged recoil stop hook both pierced for a transverse pin to fix the stock. The integrally cast and fully developed priming pan (the swiveling cover and retaining pin missing) encircling the touch hole is characteristic of the first decade of the 16th c.

The piece is preserved in the Museum of Trebur in Hesse, Germany. Its heavily cleaned and pitted surface is due to the fact that is was salvaged in excavated condition.

The measurements: overall length 81 cm, bore 2.1 cm.

Best,
Michael