Chamber of a gun

This is an iron chamber of a gun. It dates from the 16th century. Chambers were loaded with powder, slotted in the back of a barrel and held in place by a wedge until the gun was shot.

The chamber has a handle on the top side.

Guns often had two or three chambers which allowed a chamber to be loaded with powder while another was fired. This greatly increased the gun's firing rate.

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Online ID:	000-100-000-801-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.LH 236
Date:	16th century
Material:	Iron
Dimensions:	222 mm L x 124 mm D
What:	Breechlock, cannon
Subject:	Firearms (NMAS Classification)
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Event:
Description:	Iron breechlock of a cannon, with a handle on the top side
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