An (other) hand cannon ... with marks

fernando · 28th June 2009, 03:56 PM

I assume i am not (yet) a cannon maniac, but rumours run out there in a way that a distinct member of this Forum spotted this fascinating example in a (Spanish) website and engaged in the whole process to acquire it and forward it to me.
I assume it is a great satisfaction to everyone when a piece holds marks, namely those of the maker; even if not identifiable, which sometimes is a question of time ... at least one always hopes so.
This one has 15,5 cms length and a 19 mm calibre.
Particular care was taken by the smith at finishing its rear end; faceted sides and an upper edge much more pronounced than the bottom, suggesting actual accomodation of the late to a stock bed ... i would say, within my expertize

.
The marks are in an usual position and, as i said, i hope to see or hear about similar ones some day.
The stock was first ordered for a small cannon i have acquired a few weeks ago, but i rushed to the carpenter to alter the measurements to fit this specific one, as i see it more invinting for an immediate stock project.
The wood is kambala (the name alone excites me); the (crossbow type) shape is roughly based on the example from the Suhl Museum, posted in this forum by Michael.
Now i will have to go to the smith to organize the barrel bands.
I would feel rather comfortable with receiving your Gentlemen's opinnions ... either satisfactory or desillusive

Fernando

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Spiridonov · 28th June 2009, 04:02 PM

OOO! Looks great! I like short early handgonnes

Matchlock · 28th June 2009, 04:48 PM

Well done, Fernando,

The marks seem to me like a stylized (dotted) cross which is quite commonly found on 15th century short barrels.

Best,
Michael

fernando · 28th June 2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Well done, Fernando ...

Thank you Michael. You know that a compliment coming from you in this area works like a tonic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

... The marks seem to me like a stylized (dotted) cross which is quite commonly found on 15th century short barrels...

Good ... very good

. Seller had it dated XVIII century, but even i knew he was wrong by far.
Thanks again
Fernando

Philip · 29th June 2009, 11:29 PM

Congratulations, Fernando! Finding an example that is clearly marked is a bonus. I also like the way that the maker designed and made this thing with some thought as to the way it is supposed to fit securely into the stock. Looks great in the reproduction wood "tiller" that you had made -- some tool marks on the wood (see the two examples with stocks in Howard L. Blackmore's book), some stain and linseed oil rub to the surface, and a hammered iron barrel band or two and you're all set to go!

It's amazing that you have managed to snag several of these early gonnes in the Iberian peninsula within so short a time -- these weapons aren't exactly common. Keep up the good work!

Jim McDougall · 30th June 2009, 05:42 AM

Fantastic piece Fernando! What great workmanship in recreating that stock also, looks perfect in it. You are really doing great in acquisitions my friend.

Michael, as always you know me and my curiosity on markings. Can you say more on the stylized cross, was it just on firearms, and was it typically used in Spain or in other European arms?

Philip, its great to have you here!!! I always look forward to your input, and your scope of knowledge seems to have no bounds.

All the best,
Jim

fernando · 28th June 2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiridonov

OOO! Looks great! I like short early handgonnes

Thank you Spiridonov ; i am starting to like them also. Amazing thing, less than a year ago i didn't even know they existed

.
Fernando

28th June 2009, 03:56 PM	#1
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,642	An (other) hand cannon ... with marks I assume i am not (yet) a cannon maniac, but rumours run out there in a way that a distinct member of this Forum spotted this fascinating example in a (Spanish) website and engaged in the whole process to acquire it and forward it to me. I assume it is a great satisfaction to everyone when a piece holds marks, namely those of the maker; even if not identifiable, which sometimes is a question of time ... at least one always hopes so. This one has 15,5 cms length and a 19 mm calibre. Particular care was taken by the smith at finishing its rear end; faceted sides and an upper edge much more pronounced than the bottom, suggesting actual accomodation of the late to a stock bed ... i would say, within my expertize . The marks are in an usual position and, as i said, i hope to see or hear about similar ones some day. The stock was first ordered for a small cannon i have acquired a few weeks ago, but i rushed to the carpenter to alter the measurements to fit this specific one, as i see it more invinting for an immediate stock project. The wood is kambala (the name alone excites me); the (crossbow type) shape is roughly based on the example from the Suhl Museum, posted in this forum by Michael. Now i will have to go to the smith to organize the barrel bands. I would feel rather comfortable with receiving your Gentlemen's opinnions ... either satisfactory or desillusive Fernando . Attached Images

28th June 2009, 04:02 PM	#2
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	OOO! Looks great! I like short early handgonnes

28th June 2009, 04:48 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Well done, Fernando, The marks seem to me like a stylized (dotted) cross which is quite commonly found on 15th century short barrels. Best, Michael

29th June 2009, 11:29 PM	#5
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Congratulations, Fernando! Finding an example that is clearly marked is a bonus. I also like the way that the maker designed and made this thing with some thought as to the way it is supposed to fit securely into the stock. Looks great in the reproduction wood "tiller" that you had made -- some tool marks on the wood (see the two examples with stocks in Howard L. Blackmore's book), some stain and linseed oil rub to the surface, and a hammered iron barrel band or two and you're all set to go! It's amazing that you have managed to snag several of these early gonnes in the Iberian peninsula within so short a time -- these weapons aren't exactly common. Keep up the good work!

30th June 2009, 05:42 AM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,767	Fantastic piece Fernando! What great workmanship in recreating that stock also, looks perfect in it. You are really doing great in acquisitions my friend. Michael, as always you know me and my curiosity on markings. Can you say more on the stylized cross, was it just on firearms, and was it typically used in Spain or in other European arms? Philip, its great to have you here!!! I always look forward to your input, and your scope of knowledge seems to have no bounds. All the best, Jim