content_output-070_3 (Q6515)

The “hand-cannon,” as first used by the French, Italians, and Netherlands, consisted of a small bombarde (bombardello) affixed to a straight piece of wood, and fired from the shoulder by means of a match, as shown in the accompanying illustration. A slight modification of this weapon rendered it applicable for use upon horseback. Instead of being fastened to a stock, the bombarde was welded on to an iron rod about 30 inches long; the extremity of the rod was pierced, and a cord passed through, and thus suspended from the neck of the soldier.