Handgonnes with iron stock

[Spiridonov]

Handgonne from old German historica:

1. pic.1-2 "2nd half of the 15th century. Forged iron octagonal barrel in 16 mm calibre with a swamped muzzle and a forge-welded hook on the bottom. The vent is on top with a depression for powder. Horseshoe-shaped smith marks on the side and underneath. At the end of the barrel a tapering tiller of quadrangular section with a ring pommel. Pitted and corroded surfaces. Length 93 cm."(c)

Pay attention to mark which looks like horseshoe

[Spiridonov]

Handgonne from old German historica:

2. pic. 3-5 "Forged iron round barrel in 14 mm calibre with a swamped muzzle and a forge welded hook on the underside. Touch hole on the right side with a powder recess. At the end of the barrel there is a tapered quadrangular tiller with a ring finial. Pitted, corroded surface. Length 77 cm." (c)

[Spiridonov]

Else. Length 860 mm:

[Matchlock]

Hi Alexander,

The first two tiller haquebuts can be closely dated to ca. 1500 and were offered for sale at a Munich auction house.

The third item is a crude modern forgery!

Thanks for posting,
Michael

[Spiridonov]

Thank You for answer, Michael. Do You know anything about horseshoe mark? Do You have photos of handgonnes with iron stock which is 1460-80 years?

[Matchlock]

Hi Alexander,

I do not think that I've seen that horseshoe mark before.

Please see my older thread on tiller guns from the 2nd half of the 15th century:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ht=tiller+guns

Best,
Michael