LEONARDO DA VINCI (VINCI 1452-AMBOISE 1519)
Recto: Designs for gun-barrels and mortars. Verso: A town wall being blown up
c.1485RCIN 912652
The long gun-barrels were to be cast in sections and screwed together; at the centre is a rotating cradle for a gun with two opposed barrels, so that one could be loaded while the other was fired. Other studies show mortars discharging an incendiary powder to burn the rigging and sails of enemy ships. It is unlikely that any of these designs were constructed.