World's Oldest Sniper Rifle!!! Pic Heavy!!!

[USMCSGT0331]

Ok, so it's probably not the world's oldest sniper rifle, but its really old and very accurate for its time period. Here is my Hackenbuchse wall gun from the 15th century:



This thing is an absolute monster! How long is it you ask? 66 1/2 inches or almost as long as a floor lamp:



For another perspective, here it is next to a 19th century percussion rifle:




Alright, now for the details: Of classic 15th century Hackbut/Hackenbuchse form with a very long, extremely well-made, hand forged, smoothbore, heavy, octagonal, 100+ caliber, iron barrel with side-mounted touch-hole and a slightly flared muzzle. An early form of hooded rear "peep" sight; and the underside with its original barrel-pin-loops (for a rudimentary stock). Of early and large size and missing its uppermost hack/loop.

Classic 15th century design with a faceted muzzle and the breech with a rounded breech-plug. Marked on its sides with three, circa 1534, gold-inlayed Papal seals/markings and with several earlier, incised Fleur-de-lis markings of the famed Farnese family. The markings likely that of Alessandro Farnese (1468-1549), who became Pope Paul III in 1534. Additionally marked on the underside of the breech with a large "M/M" within a circular cartouche, maker's mark of classic 15th century style (the marking appears to be un-recorded).

 

[USMCSGT0331]

Sorry about the pictures being a little sub-par, but I guess it's better than nothing!

 

[nashlaw]

Would like to know how it was deployed and how you acquired it. Calling it a "wall rifle" makes me guess that it was used in defense of a fortified position (castle wall?).

Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[Mister Ridge]

So when can we expect the range report?

 

[kraigWY]

So when can we expect the range report?

LOL ^^^^, want to see that myself.

Neat gun no matter thought.

When I read the topic "worlds oldest sniper" I thought we were going to discuss a little shepherd boy with a sling shot that took out the giant winning the day for Israel.

 

[USMCSGT0331]

Would like to know how it was deployed and how you acquired it. Calling it a "wall rifle" makes me guess that it was used in defense of a fortified position (castle wall?).

Looking forward to hearing more.

These archaic guns could be used from a fortified position, such as a castle wall/window, or as a crew served weapon in the field mounted on a saw horse. I acquired it from a fellow collector out on the East Coast and he got it from a European collection.

 

[USMCSGT0331]

So when can we expect the range report?

As soon as I get a bucket of black powder, some lead projectiles the size of a squirrel's head and better health/life insurance! LOL

 

[HD-Ghost]

Cool piece. I especially like the embronzened crests stamped into the barrel.

 

[997/2man]

So when can we expect the range report?

*golf clap* I raffed.

 

[USMCSGT0331]

Here is a etching that was published in Dudley Pope's "Guns" book showing how this Hackenbuchse was deployed:



This massive gun would have originally had a rudimentary stock and needed at least 2 people to operate it. One person would aim and another person would light the charge with either a match or hot wire.

 

[jbell]

Crazy stuff right there. Thanks for sharing with us!

 

[Dominick1441]

World's Oldest Sniper Rifle!!! Pic Heavy!!!

Fantastic piece of history.
Thanks for sharing


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[austrian_varminter]

I have seen in our museums in Austria often such weapons. In reality they do not shoot well. The target was not a person but a group of people who besieged castles.

Dauerausstellung - Zeughaus

 

[mb3]

Very cool. I love old muskets and antique guns.

 

[Punisher29073]

Man! Wish they would have taken better care of the stock. A little linseed oil goes a long way.

All kidding aside, that is a rather BA piece of history.

Ryan

 

[sib1948]

Thanks! This is the most interesting post I've seen here on the Hide, since I joined 4 years ago.