1152

,Sea of Cortez, Mexico-,Breech Chamber

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Shipwreck Artifacts Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 USD and UP
,Sea of Cortez, Mexico-,Breech Chamber
Preview
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite#309
Reno, NV 89511
Thursday August22, 10am-6pm
* Preview also available by appointment

Live Auction
Friday & Saturday
August 23 & 24, 2013
9am PDT starting time, both days

Location
Atlantis Casino & Resort
Grand Ballroom #4
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Lot Pick Up
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite #309
Reno, NV 89511
Sunday August 25, 10am-1pm

c1500s-This item is a fascinating relic of early combat: a 16th century Breech Chamber. Invented in the 14th century, breech-loading swivel guns were an early form of canons. The swivel mechanism allowed the firing team to easily direct and redirect their blasts. Each round was preloaded in a breech chamber, and several could be prepared in advance, making these early canons formidable with their mobility and fast-paced firing capabilities. In the 16th century, when this particular breech chamber was produced, the swivel guns were called "patarero" (murderer), a "drake", or a "portingal / base". The breech chamber is shaped like a modern beer mug with a handle and a touch hole near its base. The mouth of this chamber was necked in slightly so that it could be inserted into the rear of the bore before it was locked in place with a key or wedge. Loading one of these swivel guns was a simple and quick procedure. The projectile was inserted into the rear of the bore, followed by the chamber full of powder. This particular breech chamber, measuring 8" long, is a relic from the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Please see the included illustration for examples of use. HKA#64881