Curious stone cannon

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by Marcus den toom

Matchlock, you are right i noticed this too. But when looking better, i wonder if the other side might have a same hole (the picture is taken from the left, but i notice a similiar chisseling at the right side).
Maybe these aren't touch holes but some kind of carrier holes (maybe with sticks to move the barrel around or up and down?)
just trowing something into the discussion.

Hi Marcus,


I think these cannot be aything else than touch holes because

1. they are drilled vertically while carrying loops for bars etc. would only have worked horizontally.

2. there are small raised recesses cut out behind each of them to act as fireshields for the gunners.


Quod erat demonstrandum: there is one two many touch holes.


Best,
Michael