LINSTOCK

Italian, end of 16th century, artillery device.
Openwork blade with the letters "JHS" and a cross, base with bronze plaques decorated with helmeted warrior heads on both sides, and mythical creatures in cut iron. Below the base, two curved arms, likewise cut in iron, ending in heads of monsters which serve as fuse holders. Round socket decorated with six iron heads. Two short langets, decorative tassel, octagonal shaft with brass nail decoration and iron shoe.
L 205 cm.

A rare Italian linstock. Cf. L'Armeria: Reale Torino, 1982, Ill. 216.