Heilongjiang hand cannon

The Heilongjiang hand cannon (in 2021), a hand cannon dated to 1288 based on its proximity to a battle between the rebel prince Nayan and Yuan dynasty forces armed with hand cannons

The Heilongjiang hand cannon or hand-gun[a] is a bronze hand cannon[1] manufactured no later than 1288 and is the world's oldest confirmed surviving firearm.[2] It weighs 3.55 kg (7.83 pounds) and is 34 centimeters (13.4 inches) long. The Heilongjiang hand cannon was excavated during the 1970s in Banlachengzi, a village in Acheng District, Heilongjiang province, China.[3] It was found alongside other bronze artifacts made in the style of the Jurchen Jin Dynasty (12th–13th century).[2] The hand cannon was probably used in battles fought nearby in Banlachengzi in 1287 and 1288.[2] The History of Yuan states that a Jurchen commander by the name of Li Ting led a group of soldiers equipped with hand cannons into a military camp in 1288, as part of an anti-rebellion campaign for the Yuan dynasty.[4] The cannon currently resides at the Heilongjiang Provincial Museum in Harbin, China.[5]

  1. ^ Needham 1987, p. 290; Needham 1987, p. 304.
  2. ^ a b c Chase 2003, p. 32.
  3. ^ Needham 1987, p. 293.
  4. ^ Needham 1987, p. 304.
  5. ^ Needham 1987, p. 290.