This early example of a European firearm is colloquially named ‘The Danzig Hangdug’ due to being uncovered on the Oder river near Danzig in the 1920s. Notable for its decoration along the barrel opening and breech, this pistol is not only quite intact for a firearm of this age, but also beautifully constructed. Dated by comparison with a similar firearm, it is estimated to be constructed from 1350 to 1430 AD. Gunpowder technology is largely thought to have originated in China around the 9th century AD, being used by dynastic powers during the Middle Ages and being transferred west along the Silk Road through the Middle East. The primary vectors of movement for this new form of weaponry may be the westward growth of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century and the European crusades in the Middle East beginning in the 11th century. These zones of conflict were fertile ground for opposing powers to acquire weapons technology from one another, and in the case of the firearm, would go on to be further refined in Europe.
In a complete state, this handgun would be constructed of two pieces. One would be this extant metallic barrel, and the other would be a wooden haft upon which the barrel would be nailed through three nail holes at the barrel’s flared base. The barrel itself is a bronze alloy primarily made of copper, along with traces of zinc and lead. Measuring 7.3 inches in length, it also retains a caliber bore of 12mm and a hexagonal profile. At the end of the barrel are three identical bearded male heads facing outward. Though the exact stylistic influence on this gun is debated, similar instances of anthropomorphic gun art of this time are known, such as the Morko gun. The single ignition breech along the lower side of the gun similarly takes the form of a clean-shaven man with an open mouth. 1
The artistic flourishes present on this firearm are reminiscent of wider architectural trends within Central and Western Europe of this time and thus have been labeled as ‘Gothic’. Historically, it was thought gunpowder technology likely originated somewhere in Europe and the Near East, with it not being present in China until its introduction by Europeans. This notion has since been dispelled, and though accounts of non-metallic gunpowder weapons earlier than this dated object exist, no archaeological remains have been preserved or yet to be discovered. The history of this technology may have been obfuscated by time and colonialism, but with renewed context, it booms as an example of technological movement westward along the Silk Road, further propelled by its evident usefulness to imperial powers across Eurasia in technologically-advancing warfare. Firearm technology significantly reduced the amount of training or proficiency needed by a soldier to effectively wield a weapon, and notably one that could incapacitate better-trained and equipped opponents.
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