Small Gun

The Small Gun is a type of portable firearm ignited by hand with a fuse. It is 75.5 cm long and 1.6 cm in diameter, and was made during the reign of King Seonjo of Joseon. It represents a more advanced form than the Seungja Chongtong, an earlier type of hand cannon, being longer than it and having evenly spaced joints resembling bamboo segments. The barrel is slightly curved, so that the bullet gains force and travels further when fired. Because the barrel is long, the gunpowder gas does not leak and the bullet can strike accurately; the chamber where the gunpowder is loaded is made slightly thicker than the rest of the barrel. Surviving records reveal the date of manufacture, the quantity of gunpowder used, and the name of the maker, and as the piece is also in perfect condition, it is regarded as valuable material for research into the history of firearms.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물