Two Extremely Rare Small BOMBARDS, Early 15th Century

Matchlock · 5th May 2014, 02:43 PM

Ca. 1400-1450, probably made in Tyrol.
Of wrought iron, with clearly defined rear breech section (German: Pulversack) and touch holes on top.
They sent out limestone balls that filled the wider forward section, and were placed right at the muzzle (German: Steinbüchse).
The second item was struck with a Gothic smith's mark, a religious or magic cross symbol, possibly within a shield, called Hausmarke in German. These primitive symbols are often found on early barrels; they are unidentifiable and cannot be attributed to a certain region, let alone a certain workshop.

Overall lengths:
The first: 32 cm, the second: 33 cm.

They were sold at auction, Hermann Historica, Munich, today:
The hammer prices: 4,400 € (the first) and 6,800 € the second - plus 23 per cent commission!

Originally these would have been stocked, of course. To convey in impression of what they looked like I attached photos that I took many years ago of a similar small bombard/Steinbüchse preserved in the museum at the fortress of Hohensalzburg, Salzburg, Austria.

Best,
Michael

5th May 2014, 02:43 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Two Extremely Rare Small BOMBARDS, ALCOVE CANNONS, Early 15th Century Ca. 1400-1450, probably made in Tyrol. Of wrought iron, with clearly defined rear breech section (German: Pulversack) and touch holes on top. They sent out limestone balls that filled the wider forward section, and were placed right at the muzzle (German: Steinbüchse). The second item was struck with a Gothic smith's mark, a religious or magic cross symbol, possibly within a shield, called Hausmarke in German. These primitive symbols are often found on early barrels; they are unidentifiable and cannot be attributed to a certain region, let alone a certain workshop. Overall lengths: The first: 32 cm, the second: 33 cm. They were sold at auction, Hermann Historica, Munich, today: The hammer prices: 4,400 € (the first) and 6,800 € the second - plus 23 per cent commission! Originally these would have been stocked, of course. To convey in impression of what they looked like I attached photos that I took many years ago of a similar small bombard/Steinbüchse preserved in the museum at the fortress of Hohensalzburg, Salzburg, Austria. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 6th May 2014 at 02:51 AM.