Gonne/Mace Combination

[rickystl]

These photos were just emailed to me. An original Landsknecht 4-Barrel Hand Gonne and Mace Combination, Ca. 1540.
This item is owned by a private collector in Europe. I'll Post his description following this. Enjoy!! Rick.

 

[rickystl]

Here is his description:

This Landsnecht combination weapon is an almost unique piece which was originally in the famous Meyrick Collection in Herefordshire and is illustrated in the 1830 Skelton/Fincke catalog.

After being "guest" in such esteemed private collections as Robert Curzon Baron Zouche of Haryngworth (sold Sotheby's London, Nov 10/11 1920, lot 110), Edward Hubbard Litchtfield (sold Sotheby's London, Dec 5, 1951, lot 79) and Herbert G. Ratner jr. (sold Christie's London, Nov 20, 1991, lot 138) afterwards and illustrated in three more books (for details, please see list in one of the pics), it has been in my collection since the Christie's sale.

About 3 inches are missing from the rear end of the beechwood stock which is drilled out to receive the ramrod, and one of the four wooden pan covers is missing as well. Otherwise it is in fine, perfect patina overall.

It's amazing that 3 of the 4 sliding wood pan covers are still intact. Modern collectors nick-named this item: "Holy Water Sprinkler". I call it a Landsknecht's Pepper-Box! :haha: Hope you enjoy. Rick.

 

[Jumpshot]

That's the most complex handgonne design I've ever seen.

 

[Alden]

Amazing piece. I've only seen one other that I can recall that had three barrels and not sure it was attributed to Landsknechten. Seems fairly impractical actually. Then again, I swing one of my short Kalzbalgers from time-to-time and feel the same way... Note I don't believe the term "holy water sprinkler" is specific to a gun-version mace.

 

[Canute Rex]

It does seem impractical. Looks as if it is from "The Department of Brilliant Ideas." The fact that it is almost unique says something.

I'd look at it as a gonne first, with features that would allow the owner to intimidate his fifth opponent. I can't imagine that point on the end staying in place in a fight with just that little hook.

That said, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a solid swing.

The pre-cap-and-ball-revolver era was punctuated with all sorts of multiple shot and combination weapons. Thanks for sharing this one.

 

[wulf]

The need for self defence never ceases to amaze
me, with a little 'one upmenship' added. Thanks
Ricky.

 

[KABAR2]

Why is it in my minds eye I see a stout fellow with a beard in chainmail & armor jumping into the middle of the fray swinging that thing with all he has bodies falling everywhere...... and that was after unloading his four shots.........
yes by our modern standardards it seems impractical but at a time when the gonne was at it's beginning 4 barrels a club & spikes.... to a man with a warriors heart......

 

[Alden]

I'd say because you've seen too many movies and/or are a unabashed romantic.
:hatsoff:

 

[cynthialee]

Think I'd rather get shot by that thing than smashed with the mace part....

 

[dyemaker]

I do not think it is that impractical. it can be used as a thrusting weapon also to pierce armour. A blow from it would stun a man wearing armour rendering him unable to fight. The hinged blade/cover is what interests me. I have seen photos of wheellock axes and/or warhammers with barrels and a blade on top and wondered how it was possible. The hinged cap explains it. :hmm:

 

[Alden]

I think the belt-hook is a particularly nice, useful, combat feature.

On the other hand I could be wrong and it survived as the conversation piece it was...

 

[Jumpshot]

I was just wondering about that belt hook. I don't know if it would be nice having something with those spikes on it banging against your leg. But just for hanging it somewhere when not in use? That's pretty obvious, I just wonder what else it might be for.

I also think it would get in the way when holding the tiller to fire or to swing it like a club.