I've seen depictions of later periods, like late 15thC of horn, similar to what people use for "traditional" today, and a variety of turned wood set-ups through later periods.

So, horn, turned wood, ceramic, a gourd, or leather costrel like used for carrying beverages? Any evidence or depictions found by anyone?

Scene: William, on the castle wall, lifts his hand cannon after a nice shot, barrel smoking, with Robert and Edward looking on with approval.

Says Robert, "Will, a bit thirsty?" and hands William a leather costrel.

William takes a bit swig and then spews black powder in the air, Robert and Edward roll on the ground, laughing.

As William dribles black mud from his mouth, Edward says, tears from laughter in his eyes, "Best let the missus blow the candles out tonight, bwuuuhaaahahah!"

[ 06-29-2006: Message edited by: TiM ]

Well, with the earliest depictions of fireguns being in my knowledge in the 14th century, and with the earliest hand gonnes being dated to the 14th century I would suppose: no.

--------------------

Diu Minnezît
Reconstruction of textiles, armour and daily life
1250,1350,1475
Nuremberg and Paris
http://www.diu-minnezit.de

IG Meisterhauw
Reconstruction of late medieval and early renaissance fencing techniques
http://www.meisterhauw.de

I guess I deserved that. I meant late 14th century or early 1400s.

The spirit of the inquiry:

In what did early gunners carry the powder?

--------------------

--------------------

Powder flasks, measured or not, are dangerous as well because sparks and/or glowing pieces still in the barrel kan ignite the fresh powder that's being poured in. If that comes from a full flask that will explode in your hands, probably in front of your face.

Some western and Napoleonic reenactors that I know use pre-measured single shot charges. They still carry a powder flask which they use to show the audience or fill those single shot charges with.

This might not be completely authentic but it's a lot safer. This summer there was a gun incident at a display in the Netherlands. After a misfire the gunner wanted to add some powder to the flashpan, after waiting a some time, off course.

Unfortunately, there still was something glowing in the touchhole which ignited the powder that was added. The plastic container exploded in his hand, sending the back into the audience. Luckily both the gunner and the member of the audience recieved only minor cuts. With a larger, period container the injuries would undoubtably be more severe.

--------------------

--------------------

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bertus:
I have come across references in late 14th c. records of old helmets and leather sacks being used to hold gunpowder.

---

Got any details on those references ??

I'm pretty sure the Southampton records mention White leather bags but I see if I can dig the details out.

Item 2 oude wapenhuwen donrecrwt in te voeren op die voirscreven reyse 6 s.

So, two old bascinets to transport the gunpowder on the foresaid trip, cost 6 shillings.

And this one is from the 1380 account of the city of Deventer (then in the bishophric of Utrecht):

Vor drie lederen zacke te maken daer men donrecruyt in steken soelde 12 s.

So, to make three leather sacks in which to put the gunpowder, cost 12 shillings.

[ 11-14-2006: Message edited by: Bertus ]

--------------------