And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Cannon made in the ancient way by the forge in Flanders
Actually, by the time the cannon depicted were made, they were mostly bronze. Medieval cannon were cast iron, but they were also brittle. Bronze, though more expensive could absorb the discharge shock much better.
Medieval cannon were usually made up out of WROUGHT iron, not cast iron - built like barrels with staves and hoops. Both bronze and iron were used during the Rennaisance period - bronze was perhaps better overall, but iron was cheaper. During the 16th century England was the leading producer of cast iron artillery, and their ability to make lots of decent artillery tubes was one of the reasons why their naval gunnery was better than the Spaniards' in 1588. I think that the culverin on display at Annapolis, which dates to the early 17th century, is cast iron, but is has been 22 years since I saw it so I might be all wet.
I think cast iron tubes may have fallen out of use during the 17th century, but they were back in use during the 19th century - I think most if not all the artillery in use during the Civil War was cast iron.
Cast Iron
ReplyDeleteActually, by the time the cannon depicted were made, they were mostly bronze. Medieval cannon were cast iron, but they were also brittle. Bronze, though more expensive could absorb the discharge shock much better.
DeleteX2 John and Mari
DeleteOkay, I'm just reading the title of the illustration, fonte = cast iron.
DeleteMade my first one in 74'. Black pipe. Homemade powder. Guardian Angels had their work cut out.
ReplyDelete"The Arms of Krupp"- William Manchester
ReplyDeleteI don't think those are from the forge in Flanders.
ReplyDeleteThey look more like those you see from the mill in Montego.
Medieval cannon were usually made up out of WROUGHT iron, not cast iron - built like barrels with staves and hoops. Both bronze and iron were used during the Rennaisance period - bronze was perhaps better overall, but iron was cheaper. During the 16th century England was the leading producer of cast iron artillery, and their ability to make lots of decent artillery tubes was one of the reasons why their naval gunnery was better than the Spaniards' in 1588. I think that the culverin on display at Annapolis, which dates to the early 17th century, is cast iron, but is has been 22 years since I saw it so I might be all wet.
ReplyDeleteI think cast iron tubes may have fallen out of use during the 17th century, but they were back in use during the 19th century - I think most if not all the artillery in use during the Civil War was cast iron.