Location: Estonia Length: 31 min
In 1955, Estonian archaeologist Osvald Saadre found in Otepää Fortress a room containing pieces of bronze. These pieces were parts of the oldest Estonian firearm, dating back to the late 14th Century. This documentary follows the course of an experimental archaeology project, as archaeologist Jaak Mäll works to reconstruct a functional copy of the Otepää gonne (gun), remaining as faithful as possible to the gunsmithing techniques of the period and to conducting test-firings using gunpowder made in accordance with the formulas and methods of the time.
Produced in 2008 by Vesilind Ltd. and the Estonian History Museum
Copyright 2008 by Vesilind Ltd. and the Estonian History Museum
Web links:
Estonian Journal of Archaeology
History of Estonia (Wikipedia)
History of Firearms (Wikipedia)