Our COLLECTIONS

M248 - Artillery master - XVs

ref. EK Castings M248

EK Castings M248 - Artillery master. West. Europe - 15th century
In the 15th century cannons were made in an artisanal way. Each artillery master independently solved the questions of their constructive arrangement, dimensions and material. He also provided his guns with ammunition of the appropriate caliber - stone, iron and lead cores. Weapons masters were united in special professional shops, surrounded by a halo of mystery and superstition. During military campaigns, rulers and cities hired such masters for good money and extensive privileges. By the end of the 15th century, the role of artillery in combat operations had grown to such an extent that it became the embodiment of the military power of centralized states and became the property of kings.
In the 15th century, the term "artillery" included not only guns, but also all aspects related to their production, transportation and maintenance. In addition to directly directing the shooting from the guns, the artillery masters had to lead the casters and blacksmiths, the joiners in the manufacture and repair of the carriage and wheels. In their subordination there were stone masons making stone kernels, gunpowder manufacturers, as well as sappers and miners, preparing artillery positions and conducting siege operations. In addition, the masters were responsible for the numerous convoys that not only transported the guns, but also carried a large number of various auxiliary items and cargoes. The maintenance in army of so numerous contingent of the experts supervised by the highly paid qualified artillery master,
The artillery master is rich enough and wears clothing typical of a wealthy urban nobility. On top of the quilted jupon is put on with a hinged sleeves, covered with expensive cloth and trimmed with fur. On the head of the chaperone, - headpiece in the form of a folded hood, put on the head with a facial neckline in the form of a roller. The hood of the hood hangs to the left side, and the long canine is flushed to the right and wrapped around the neck. A leather wallet and a long dagger hang on the waist belt, the only weapon that usually accompanies civilian clothes.