15th century short wrought iron barrels - why there are so many around

[Matchlock]

Another interesting little wrought iron barrel, of early 15th century form, contrasted to a source of illustration of a baptismal font of similiar three ring reinforced shape, an illumination from a Prague manuscript of ca. 1420.

Michael

[fernando]

Hi Michael,
Is that what you call baptism of fire ?

Now seriously ... great piece.

Fernando

[Matchlock]

Hi Fernando,

I can tell by your eloquence and love of puns (the latter shared between us) that you really appreciate the notion of a baptismal shower of flames as well as the smell of hellfire and sulphur!

Michael

[Matchlock]

From:

Flavius Vegetius Renatus: Vier Bücher der Rytterschafft (Four books on knighthood), Erfurt, Germany, 1511.

That's what I meant when I wrote that not all of those little guys that are still around in such amazing numbers need to have been stocked individually as parts of portable handguns.

Michael

[Matchlock]

One more.

[Matchlock]

A multi barrel cannon cart, 1436.

Watercolor from Johann Hartlieb's book on warfare of 1436 (Austrian State Library, Vienna, cod. 3062).

Michel

[fernando]

What traction ? probably horses.
Wouln't we like to be the drivers?
Fernando

[Spiridonov]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Another interesting little wrought iron barrel, of early 15th century form, contrasted to a source of illustration of a baptismal font of similiar three ring reinforced shape, an illumination from a Prague manuscript of ca. 1420.

Michael

Michael, I have a friend from Ryazan who practice in target shooting with replicas of 15 century handgonne. He'd really liked this handgonne and wants to make replica of this for target shooting. He often read our forum But he doesn't have an registration on vikingsword. So, he asked me to know the length, outside diameter and caliber of this handgonne. May You help me with this question?

[Matchlock]

Hi Alexender,

of course I can!

The overall length is 11.4 cm, the (quite irregular) maximum outer diameter is 4.4 cm, and the bore is 14.86 mm. The diameter of the touch hole, again irregular as it was not bored but struck thru the white-hot iron with a hardened prick, is ca. 6 mm.

I'd like to see images of the replica!

Best,
Michael

[Spiridonov]

Thank You!

Originally Posted by Matchlock

I'd like to see images of the replica!

He said that he wants to He starting to make blueprints tomorrow

[Matchlock]

Please tell him to remember that the iron rings have to be forged separately, put on the barrel when white-warm and fire-forged!

m

[Spiridonov]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Please tell him to remember that the iron rings have to be forged separately, put on the barrel when white-warm and be fire-forged!

m

He knows it

[Matchlock]

All the better!

m