XV century powder horn
 

http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/12/59/24/45/corne10.jpg
This picture was gotten by me from this site http://ostdudauphin.forumperso.com/forum.htm

Hi Alexender,

This watercolor is from Diebold Schilling's Berne Chronicle, 1483. I attach some more.

We have knowledge of several contemporary sources of illustrations but of not one single existing Gothic powderhorn. Only those of 19th c. Afghanistan make come close in shape to those used in Central Europe in Medieval times.

What we further can tell from two early 16th c. altar paintings is that those horns were of impressive size, had a handle shaped wooden piece at their broad side and were bound with carrying cords, with no iron mounts or rings to be noted.

As I pointed out in an earlier thread, the hole in the buttstocks of the arquebuses was for suspension on a wooden pin in the arsenal. One of the two arquebusiers has a thick piece of matchcord in this hand.

Best,
Michael

More late 15th century stocked arquebuses from Diebold Schilling's Berne Chronicle, 1483.

Thank you for the hint, Alexander! :cool:

Please note that stocks are left in natural, unvarnished surface while the iron barrels seem to have a brownish color, and the guy on the right loading his gun, with the bag containing the accouterments at his feet.

In the right foreground there is the most remarkable utensil: a Zeuglade (arsenal chest) containing paper cartridges and balls for the arquebusiers! :eek:

Best,
Michael

Powder Horns in the Battle of Pavia, 1525
 

Of natural staghorn, and with a central wooden plug.

m