Original 15th Century European Rampart Swivel Gun with Victorian Era Mount Original Items

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. The Chinese are credited with the invention of Gunpowder in the 9th. The Western traders, most probably the Portuguese introduced it to Europe where it was used as a weapon. The earliest of those weapons were small hand held cannons on long shafts followed by fixed Rampart Guns used to repel invaders from the city or castle walls.

During the Victorian age of 1837-1901, it was found that virtually no totally original Rampart guns remained. All that remained were the small 15th century barrels, therefore, various armory museums rebuilt these old cannon barrels into life sized functional examples of these very primitive weapons.

Watch the IMA team test fire an Original 15th Century European Rampart Swivel Gun with Victorian Era Mount:

The classic book GUNS by DUDLEY POPE in 1965 features just such a Rampart Gun at the opening of chapter Two on page 25 “The arrival of the Gun”. Page 25 features a full page photograph of a virtually identical example to the one on offer here.

Acquired from the estate of an old New England collection this example is most impressive and we were even able test fire it using a small charge of black powder.

Standing 21″ tall and 22″ in length at the widest point, the barrel is just 7″ long with a 1.25″ bore. We believe that the barrel dates to the 15th century but the wood and iron mounts are most certainly 19th century Victorian recreations.

Offered inn remarkable condition with the appearance, of being totally authentic, this makes a wonderful display item from the time of the Battles of CRECY (1346) and AGINCOURT (1415).

Substantial but not heavy making it easy to display, this Cannon is offered with a copy of DUDLEY POPE’S 1965 book GUNS to provide historical context for the item.