Firearms, including some of the oldest guns in the world, have played a pivotal role in shaping human history, evolving from rudimentary designs to the sophisticated weapons we know today. Exploring the oldest surviving guns offers a fascinating glimpse into the technological advancements of past civilisations. These early weapons laid the foundation for modern firearms, influencing military strategies and engineering breakthroughs. Here are some of the most notable ancient firearms and their impact on history:
1. Heilongjiang Hand Cannon (c. 1288)
Discovered in China’s Heilongjiang province, the Heilongjiang Hand Cannon is widely regarded as the oldest surviving firearm. Dating back to the late 13th century, this bronze weapon measures approximately 34 centimeters in length and weighs around 3.6 kilograms. Unlike modern guns, which use complex firing mechanisms, the hand cannon functioned as a simple metal tube that required manual ignition using a burning wick.
This weapon marked a significant shift from traditional projectile weaponry like bows and arrows, as it harnessed gunpowder to propel projectiles at high speeds. The hand cannon played a crucial role in early gunpowder warfare, providing Chinese soldiers with a powerful ranged weapon that helped shape the future of military tactics. This innovation ultimately paved the way for the development of more sophisticated firearms, spreading from China to the rest of the world.
2. Emperor Charles V’s Wheellock Pistol (c. 1540–1545)
Crafted by the renowned German gunsmith Peter Peck, this exquisitely designed double-barrelled wheel-lock pistol was made for Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire. This firearm featured intricate engravings, including the emperor’s personal emblems: the double-headed eagle and the Pillars of Hercules inscribed with the Latin motto “Plus Ultra” (meaning “More Beyond”).
The wheel lock mechanism was a major technological advancement over the earlier matchlock design. Instead of requiring an external flame to ignite gunpowder, the wheel-lock used a rotating, spring-loaded metal wheel to generate sparks and fire the weapon. This made the gun more reliable in combat, especially in adverse weather conditions where matchlocks could fail. Although expensive to produce, wheel-lock pistols became prized weapons for European nobility and military officers in the 16th century.
3. Tanegashima (Introduced in 1543)
The Tanegashima, a type of matchlock firearm, was introduced to Japan by Portuguese traders in 1543 when a Chinese ship carrying Portuguese merchants was blown off course and landed on Tanegashima Island. The local lord, intrigued by the European firearms, quickly saw their military potential and had Japanese craftsmen replicate and refine the design.
These matchlock guns played a pivotal role in Japan’s Sengoku period, an era of constant warfare between rival feudal lords. Samurai warriors initially viewed firearms as dishonourable, but they soon recognised their battlefield effectiveness. The widespread adoption of Tanegashima guns led to significant shifts in military tactics, favoring massed volley fire over traditional samurai sword combat. By the late 16th century, firearms were a key component in Japanese warfare, forever changing the nation’s military history.
4. Georg von Reichwein’s Revolver (c. 1640)
This early revolver, owned by German military officer Georg von Reichwein, was a pioneering attempt at developing a multi-shot firearm. Unlike single-shot weapons that required manual reloading after each discharge, this firearm – the Flintlock – featured a manually rotated cylinder capable of holding multiple charges, allowing for successive shots without the need for extensive reloading.
Although not as advanced as later revolvers, this early design showcased the growing interest in increasing firearm efficiency. The concept of a rotating cylinder would later be perfected by Samuel Colt in the 19th century, revolutionising personal firearms and making revolvers a staple of law enforcement, military, and civilian self-defense worldwide.
5. Puckle Gun (1718)
Invented by James Puckle, the Puckle Gun is one of the earliest examples of a rapid-fire weapon. This flintlock gun featured a manually operated revolving cylinder, allowing it to fire nine rounds per minute – an impressive feat for the early 18th century. Mounted on a tripod, it was designed for naval warfare to prevent enemy boarding actions.
Puckle even proposed two types of ammunition: round bullets for use against Christian adversaries and square bullets intended for use against Ottoman Turks, believing the latter to be more damaging. Despite its ingenuity, the Puckle Gun failed to gain widespread adoption, as flintlock muskets and cannons were still the dominant weapons of the time. Nevertheless, it set an important precedent for later machine gun development.
6. Musket Modèle 1777
The French Musket Modèle 1777 was one of the most widely used firearms in European warfare. Introduced during the late 18th century, this flintlock musket became a standard issue weapon for the French army during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
What made the Modèle 1777 so successful was its improved firing mechanism, durability, and ease of use. It could be loaded and fired more efficiently than its predecessors, making it a reliable weapon for massed infantry formations. Over 7 million units were produced between 1777 and 1826, making it one of the most prolific firearms of its era.
7. Colt Revolver (1836)
Patented by Samuel Colt in 1836, the Colt Revolver revolutionised firearms with its innovative revolving cylinder design. This allowed multiple shots to be fired without reloading, a major advantage over earlier single-shot pistols.
Colt’s invention made firearms more practical for self-defense, law enforcement, and military use. His revolvers gained widespread popularity during the American Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and beyond. The success of the Colt Revolver cemented Colt’s reputation as a major firearms manufacturer, influencing revolver designs for generations to come.
Fun fact: Samual Colt patented the revolver when he was only 22 years old.
Also read: 11 Fascinating Gun Facts
8. Gatling Gun (1862)
Invented by Dr. Richard J. Gatling in 1862, the Gatling Gun was one of the first successful rapid-fire weapons and a forerunner to the modern machine gun. Featuring multiple rotating barrels powered by a hand crank, it could fire continuous rounds at an unprecedented rate.
First used in the American Civil War, the Gatling Gun demonstrated the devastating potential of high-rate-of-fire weapons. It was later deployed in colonial wars and early 20th-century conflicts before being replaced by more advanced machine guns. Despite its eventual obsolescence, the Gatling Gun remains an important milestone in firearm technology, laying the groundwork for automatic weaponry.
The Enduring Legacy of the Oldest Guns in the World
These old guns highlight the ingenuity and technological advancements of their respective eras, each contributing to the evolution of modern weaponry. From primitive hand cannons to early revolvers and rapid-fire guns, these weapons showcase humanity’s continuous drive to innovate and improve battlefield efficiency. While some of these guns are now museum pieces, their legacy lives on in the firearms we use today.
