A Unique Double Barrel Bronze Tiller Haquebut, North Germany, ca. 1420

Matchlock · 16th June 2010, 10:28 PM

Got these pics from a pal who took them in Schloss Gottorp, the Schleswig Holstein Museum.

He did not give any measurements but, neglecting the replacement stock, I would estimate the length of the barrels to ca. 50-60 cm.

Please note the rectangularly raised priming pans that seem to be characteristic of the North of Germany and the early 15th century.

The recoil hook was perfect for firing them from behind a a large set targe or a hand targe in field fight. It is the only DB sample known to me to have survived from that early period.

This piece is also remarkable for its angled barrels designed to cover a broader range, and possibly loaded with a 'buckshot' like number of balls or pieces of lead or iron, in one word: blunder.

Best, Michael

fernando · 17th June 2010, 01:52 PM

Superb

.
Now i know where the modern gunmakers took the idea for blunderbuss barrels

.
'Nando

Matchlock · 17th June 2010, 07:51 PM

Exactly, 'Nando!

Best,
Miguel

Spiridonov · 18th June 2010, 12:26 PM

Thank you, Michael. it is a VERY impressive!!!

Do you have a highresolution photos of this?

Matchlock · 18th June 2010, 01:15 PM

Hi Alexander,

Sorry but I don't have high res images of these; I just put them on the forum the way I received them.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 18th June 2010, 02:24 PM

This is the famous Morkö gun, preserved in the Swedish National Museum Stockholm, early 15th century.

It, like the above posted double barrel gun, is of cast bronze and has a rectangular touchhole with a raised brim. As far as I remember, the Gothic minuscule script is illegible, its letters being just stylized ornaments.

Much has been said and written about the bearded head behind the touchhole; it seems like it reminds many people of traditional portraits of Jesus Christ.

I should add that the hand in the picture holds the small gun at a hook very similar to the one on the DB piece in Stockholm.

I will look for better pics of this fine and unique High Gothic little guy. Of course I will strictly keep them to myself and would never share them with anybody - except you, pals, that is:

Best,
Michael

16th June 2010, 10:28 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A Unique Double Barrel Bronze Tiller Haquebut, North Germany, ca. 1420 Got these pics from a pal who took them in Schloss Gottorp, the Schleswig Holstein Museum. He did not give any measurements but, neglecting the replacement stock, I would estimate the length of the barrels to ca. 50-60 cm. Please note the rectangularly raised priming pans that seem to be characteristic of the North of Germany and the early 15th century. The recoil hook was perfect for firing them from behind a a large set targe or a hand targe in field fight. It is the only DB sample known to me to have survived from that early period. This piece is also remarkable for its angled barrels designed to cover a broader range, and possibly loaded with a 'buckshot' like number of balls or pieces of lead or iron, in one word: blunder. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 17th June 2010 at 07:38 PM.

18th June 2010, 02:24 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	This is the famous Morkö gun, preserved in the Swedish National Museum Stockholm, early 15th century. It, like the above posted double barrel gun, is of cast bronze and has a rectangular touchhole with a raised brim. As far as I remember, the Gothic minuscule script is illegible, its letters being just stylized ornaments. Much has been said and written about the bearded head behind the touchhole; it seems like it reminds many people of traditional portraits of Jesus Christ. I should add that the hand in the picture holds the small gun at a hook very similar to the one on the DB piece in Stockholm. I will look for better pics of this fine and unique High Gothic little guy. Of course I will strictly keep them to myself and would never share them with anybody - except you, pals, that is: Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 18th June 2010 at 09:47 PM.

17th June 2010, 01:52 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Superb . Now i know where the modern gunmakers took the idea for blunderbuss barrels . 'Nando

17th June 2010, 07:51 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Exactly, 'Nando! Best, Miguel

18th June 2010, 12:26 PM	#4
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	Thank you, Michael. it is a VERY impressive!!! Do you have a highresolution photos of this?

18th June 2010, 01:15 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Alexander, Sorry but I don't have high res images of these; I just put them on the forum the way I received them. Best, Michael