Two Very Fine Austrian 'Maximilian' Haquebut Barrels, ca. 1500

Matchlock · 16th February 2012, 12:42 PM

Both are hammered of fire-blackened wrought iron, octagonal with changing sides, and both preserved in unusually good and crisp condition. Please note the fully developed standing rear rights, the short, staged recoil-stop hooks pierced for a stock-retaining pin, and the short reinforced (swamped) muzzle rings (German Mündungsköpfe) carrying a blade foresight.

Both of them are obviously two of a series made by the same workshop, four of which are still preserved. They retain their original small right-hand priming pans with the touch holes in the center, and the original pan-cover rivets (the pan covers missing).

The second in line is struck with an N-like symbol above the breech and bears a additional engraved X-like identification mark. The most remarkable fact about it however is that the original touch hole situated within the pan seems to have been nailed up and another touch hole pierced right in fron of it within the gun's working life.

Both barrels are preserved in the Museum Ferrum (museum of iron) in Ybbsitz, Austria.

Their measurements:

1. Length overall 92 cm, bore 2.9 cm

2. Length overall 81 cm, bore 2.8 cm.

Best,
Michael

Pukka Bundook · 22nd February 2012, 05:28 AM

Good evening Michael,

I like these barrels. They are refreshing, as they both show the hand of the maker, and still show How they were made.
Very surprizing to see them in such 'new' condition, with little corrosion.
The blacksmith knew what he was about, and neither needed draw-filing to make them presentable.
both are a joy to look at.

Thank you for posting the photos!!

Your mainly absent friend,
Richard.

Matchlock · 22nd February 2012, 01:26 PM

Good morning, Richard,

My unfortunately mainly absent friend!

Yes, the both plain and selfconscious craftsmanship in forging these barrels is exactly what struck me too at first sight.

Their unusually crisp condition, with very little corrosion, immediately reminded me of that of the three Passau haquebut barrels in my collection, showing no rust at all:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=haquebut

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=haquebut

Thank you for caring to respond,
Michael

16th February 2012, 12:42 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Two Very Fine Austrian 'Maximilian' Haquebut Barrels, ca. 1500 Both are hammered of fire-blackened wrought iron, octagonal with changing sides, and both preserved in unusually good and crisp condition. Please note the fully developed standing rear rights, the short, staged recoil-stop hooks pierced for a stock-retaining pin, and the short reinforced (swamped) muzzle rings (German Mündungsköpfe) carrying a blade foresight. Both of them are obviously two of a series made by the same workshop, four of which are still preserved. They retain their original small right-hand priming pans with the touch holes in the center, and the original pan-cover rivets (the pan covers missing). The second in line is struck with an N-like symbol above the breech and bears a additional engraved X-like identification mark. The most remarkable fact about it however is that the original touch hole situated within the pan seems to have been nailed up and another touch hole pierced right in fron of it within the gun's working life. Both barrels are preserved in the Museum Ferrum (museum of iron) in Ybbsitz, Austria. Their measurements: 1. Length overall 92 cm, bore 2.9 cm 2. Length overall 81 cm, bore 2.8 cm. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 16th February 2012 at 03:52 PM.

22nd February 2012, 01:26 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Good morning, Richard, My unfortunately mainly absent friend! Yes, the both plain and selfconscious craftsmanship in forging these barrels is exactly what struck me too at first sight. Their unusually crisp condition, with very little corrosion, immediately reminded me of that of the three Passau haquebut barrels in my collection, showing no rust at all: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=haquebut http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=haquebut Thank you for caring to respond, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 22nd February 2012 at 03:26 PM.

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22nd February 2012, 05:28 AM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Good evening Michael, I like these barrels. They are refreshing, as they both show the hand of the maker, and still show How they were made. Very surprizing to see them in such 'new' condition, with little corrosion. The blacksmith knew what he was about, and neither needed draw-filing to make them presentable. both are a joy to look at. Thank you for posting the photos!! Your mainly absent friend, Richard.