Dorndrel

Dorndrel (in the literature and in the sources also called Dorndrall , Dorndrael , Dorndrey or Dornndrayl ) is the name for an early modern type of gun, the invention of which is attributed to Emperor Maximilian I (r. 1493-1519). Its appearance resembled that of a Kartaune , but it had a smaller caliber ( bore diameter 5–20 cm) and was also much lighter. Iron balls were used as projectiles .

Information about this type of gun is very scarce in the secondary literature . What is certain is that a distinction was made between large and small Dorndrel and that the gun could be used both in the field and to reinforce fortifications. Perhaps it was intended from the beginning as a kind of middle thing that was to be used for both functions.

Literature (selection)

Gerhard Kurzmann: Emperor Maximilian I and the warfare of the Austrian states and the empire (= military history dissertations of Austrian universities, volume 5) Österreichischer Bundesverlag Ges.mbH, Vienna 1985, ISBN 3-215-06067-1 .

Remarks

↑ The name was u. a. thus declares that the gun is said to have fired pieces of wood provided with iron tips (thorns). However, this cannot be proven from the sources. Kurzmann (1985), p. 134, note 65.

[1] The name was u. a. thus declares that the gun is said to have fired pieces of wood provided with iron tips (thorns). However, this cannot be proven from the sources. Kurzmann (1985), p. 134, note 65.