SOJ-6(08) Mid 18th Century Prussian Chambered Guns

From 1738, Prussian field cannon became much lighter so were more mobile than the M1717 heavy ordnance. The reasons behind this include. 1. The reduction in the charge weight permitted the metal strength of the gun tubes. 2. The improvement in gunpowder permitted the use of shorter barrels with similar muzzle velocities. 3. A chambered bore design was believed to create much more gas pressure then an ordinary bore design. 4. More guns could be produced from the same amount of bronze. 5. The introduction of cadence to Prussian infantry drill had increased their mobility on the battlefield and so required an equally mobile artillery for a improved close range.

Frederick was so enthusiastic about these light pieces, that within a decade, all of the old heavy ordnance was rigorously melted to provide the gunmetal for new casts, or placed in arsenals to serve as fortress or siege cannon. By 1756, all Prussian field guns coming out of the foundries were chambered bore pieces, mostly of a length of 16 calibres. There were also a new14 calibres 12-pdr and a super light 12 calibres 24- pdr. The Beauvry 3-pdr was the single ordinary bore design remaining.

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 36 M1740 Holtzmann Conical Chambered Guns In 1738, Oberst-Lieutenant Ernst Friedrich von Holtzmann (II)67 design 3-, 6- and 12-pdr barrels with a cylindrical chamber for the gunpowder charge with a bore of 15.6 D long. These were first cast in 1740. The barrel axis ( i.e. the vertical line dividing the trunnion in half) was placed at 3/7 of the length of the bore plus 1 part. The first reinforce was equal to twice the length of the second reinforce plus 0.5 D.68

M1740 Holtzmann Conical Chambered 3-pdr The barrel was calculated for a powder charge of 0.35 kg. Holtzmann calculation were based upon a 2-pdr shot diameter (62.8mm) as basic scale and divided these into 24 parts (1 part=2.62mm). It was believed that the metal strength of the rear of the barrel should equal the diameter of an iron shot double the weight of the powder charge. This held true for a barrel of 24 shots length and proportionally less for shorter barrels. At this point, now, matters became subject to personal belief or understanding, and as a result, the design of the Prussian barrels worked with as many figures as there were Prussian gun designers during this period.

M1740 Holtzmann Conical Chambered 3-pdr barrel [Christian Rogge]

The barrel design for the M1740 Holtzmann Conical 3-pdr had a metal strength based upon the 2-pdr shot diameter (62.8mm): 1st reinforce thickness 20 parts [52.33mm] to 19 parts [49.7mm] 2nd reinforce thickness 17 parts [44.5mm] to 16 parts [41.9mm] Chase thickness 14 parts [36.6mm] to 10 parts [26.2mm] Height of the muzzle swell 9 parts [23.6mm]] Muzzle length 2¼ D long [141.3mm] Cascable and button length 1.5 D long [94.2mm]

The conical chamber bore narrowed to 16 parts [47.9mm] of the diameter of the 3-pdr shot [71.9mm]. Illustrated volume arrives at 0.594 litres/cubic decimetres including allowance for the rounds canvas or tin case and insulating material.69

67 Promoted Oberst in 1756 and Commander of the 2nd (Silesian) Artillery Battalion. Died in 1759. 68 Malinowsky & Bonin, Geschichte der brandenburg–preussischen Artillerie, vol. II, Berlin 1841. 69 Specific gravity of gun powder calculated with a middled 0.925, based on former Hanoverian figures of 1 Hanover/Calenberg scale cubic foot holding 47 lb of gun powder or 51 lb of water – the latter equalling 1. Prussian figures are slightly larger, or 60 lb to the larger Berlin cubic foot, as per the same source [Scharnhorst, Militärisches Taschenbuch zum Gebrauch im Felde, Hanover, 1793]. Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 37

M1740 Holtzmann Conical Chambered 3-pdr on M1717 Carriage. [Christian Rogge]

This piece used the M1717 carriage model in service into the Seven Years War and beyond until the universal adoption of the modified M1766 model carriage. The wheels of the carriage measured 110 cm [42 Berlin Zollen]. The tracks was 136 cm [52 Berlin Zollen] wide.

Table 5: Prussian M1740 Holtzmann cylindrical 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-pdr dimensions M1740 Holtzmann M1740 Holtzmann M1740 Holtzmann M1740 Holtzmann M1744 Holtzmann Cylindrical Cylindrical Cylindrical Cylindrical Cylindrical 3-pdr 6-pdr Light 12-pdr 24-pdr 24-pdr “Steinstück” Bore 73.2mm 94.2mm 119mm 149.9mm 149.9mm Calibre 71.9mm 90.6mm 114mm 143.9mm 143.9mm Shot 1.4kg 2.8kg 5.6kg 11.2kg 11.2kg solid shot 8.14kg shell Length 115cm 145cm 182cm 230cm 173cm L/16 L/16 L/16 L/16 L/12 Length ratio 9kg/D 14kg/D kg/D kg/D Weight 240-247kg 420-462kg 560-588kg 1680-1848kg 672kg Weight ratio 150-165:1 150-165:1 150-165:1 150-165:1 60:1 Chamber Cylindrical Cylindrical Cylindrical Cylindrical Cylindrical Charge 0.35kg 0.7kg 1.4kg 2.8kg 1.8kg Charge ratio 1:4 1:4 1:4 1:4 1:6 Horses 3-4 horses 3 horses 4 horses 6 horses 4 horses Cast in Berlin 160 in 1742 2 in 1743 20 in 1742 8 in 1743 1 in 1744 29 in 1743 20 in 1743 8 in 1745 in Wesel None None None None 4 in 1744 12 in 1745 in Breslau 44 in 1743 None 2 in 1742 None None 24 in 1745 TOTAL

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 38 Holtzmann M1744 Cylindrical Light 24-pdr [Stein-Stück] In 1744 by Oberst-Lt Ernst Friedrich von Holtzmann designed the M1744 Light 24-pdr with cylindrical chamber of 4 to 4.5 pfund [? kg]. It was often referred to as the Stein-Stück [‘stone piece’]. It was a very early example of a shell gun or gun/howitzer that probably influenced the design of the Russian Shuvalov Unicorns of the 1750s. The piece was designed to fire conventional canister, Klemmkartätschen [specialized grape rounds of Holtzmann's invention], and hollow hollow shell of 18 pfund [? kg] weight. With the latter, it was intended to reduce the weight of the ammunition supply, as well as to reduce the force of the recoil. The Klemmkartätsche (grape) consisted of a solid cylindrical wooden box holding six iron 3-pdr shot diameter (7.19 cm). The rear was conical shape to adapt to the shape if the chamber bore of the piece.

Holtzmann M1744 Cylindrical Light 24-pdr barrel.70 [Christian Rogge]

The design was very similar to the Holtzmann M1744 Long 10–11-pdr howitzer Stein–Kartaune. Accordingly, its principal proportions were as follows: Barrels axis point 4/9 plus 3 p from the rear end. 1st reinforce length 2/3 the length from the axis to the rear of barrel 2nd reinforce length 1/3 plus half the trunnion diameter (1 D). Length of muzzle 2 D. Cascable and button length 1.5 D. 1st reinforce metal thickness 16 parts equal the diameter of the chamber 2nd reinforce metal thickness 12 parts. Chase 10 parts to 8 parts. Muzzle swelling +10 parts

The measures indicated for the carriage are all expressed relative of the size of shot (D). As per M&B, vol. ii, p. 173, the carriages had a straight lower face. The front section was perfectly square shaped, the centre sections lower face was placed 2 zollen upwards the planks lower edge, thus, taking a good deal off the rounding of the trail. The metal fittings included an extra vertical sheet on the front and centre section (b). The front hook plate (a) linked with the first 3 horizontal bolts, reaching as far as the centre section of the carriage. In all, much resembling the pre 1717 metal fittings. Height of the wheels is believed to have been 51 zollen [ cm]. Track width was 4 fuss 4 zollen [ cm].

70 The dimensions of the illustrated barrel are a tentative reconstruction based for the most part on the details found in Malinowsky & Bonin, Geschichte der brandenburg–preussischen Artillerie, vol. II, Berlin 1841 (M&B). Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 39

Holtzmann M1744 Cylindrical Light 24-pdr [Stein-Stück] on M1717 carriage [Christian Rogge]

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 40 M1740/47 Holtzmann Conical Chambered Guns During the Second Silesian War (1744-45), it was found that quarter powder charge inadequate to give the longer ranges required so that in 1747 all the M1740 Holtzmann Cylindrical barrels were rebored to give an increased conical chamber widened to 23 parts of the shot diameter (3-, 6- or 12-pdr) to take a powder charge of third the weight of the shot. Also in 1747, the Holtzmann Richtmaschine elevating device with iron screw replaced the somewhat simpler M1717 design wedges. From about 1752, iron trail rings were attached to the carriage that were used for moving and unlimbering the gun. These had first been introduced for Prussian battalion guns by the Linger design ‘20 D’ 3–pdr in 1752.

M1740/47 Holtzmann 3-pdr In 1747, the charge was increased from a quarter powder charge [0.35kg] to a third the weight of the shot [0.47kg] by rebored the cylindrical chamber to a conical chamber and the Holtzmann Richtmaschine replaced the M1717 wedges [quorns]. From 1752, iron trail rings were attached to the carriage that were used for manhandling the piece in action were introduced. Bricoles (drag ropes) slung across the gunners shoulders were also used.

M1740/47 Holtzmann 6-pdr

M1740/47 Holtzmann 12-pdr The Carriage was of modified M1717 design. The wheels 128 cm and proportions for the naves, fellows and spokes are based on a 8-pdr shot scale. The wheels of the M1717 heavy 24 D pieces would have been more massive and with a taller 54 or 58 diameter.

Elevation of a M1740/47 Holtzmann Conical 12-pdr pm M1717 Carriage.71 [Christian Rogge]

71 N.B.: the illustrated dimensions and proportions are based on details found in Malinowsky & Bonin, Geschichte der brandenburg– preussischen Artillerie, vol. II, Berlin 1841; as well as on a contemporary sheet originating from the Copenhagen Army Museum / entitled Anciens canons prussiens de 12, à chambres cylindriques et coniques, coulés à Berlin de 1738 à 1744 [sic.]. Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 41 Table 6: Prussian M1740 Holtzmann conical 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-pdr dimensions M1740/47 M1740/45 M1740/47 M1740/47 Holtzmann Holtzmann Holtzmann Holtzmann Conical 3-pdr Conical 6-pdr Conical 12-pdr 24-pdr Bore 73.2mm 94.2mm 119mm 149.9mm Calibre 71.9mm 90.6mm 114mm 143.9mm Shot 1.4kg 2.8kg 5.6kg 11.2kg Length 115cm 145cm 182cm 230cm L/16 L/16 L/16 L/16 Length ratio 14kg/D 28kg/D kg/D kg/D Weight 210-231kg 420-462kg 560-588kg 1120-1176kg Weight ratio 150-165:1 150-165:1 150-165:1 150-165:1 Chamber Conical Conical Conical Conical Charge 0.47kg 0.9kg 1.8kg 3.2kg Charge ratio 1:3 1:3 1:3 1:3.5 Horses 4 horses 4 horses 4 horses 6 horses Range72 Pointblank 219m 438- 575m 584m Max Range 1096m 1096m Richochet 1461m Canister 292m 438.3m Cast M1740 3-pdrs M1740 6-pdrs M1740 12-pdrs M1740 24-pdrs converted converted converted converted to to conical bore to conical bore to conical bore conical bore and retired to the siege train TOTAL 8

72 Bleckwenn (1957): Converted to metric with 1 Fuss=31.3853 cm, so the length of the Prussian pace=73.05 cm Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 42 M1740/47 Conical Chamber Bore 24-pdr Cannon This piece saw service with the field artillery in few numbers during the campaigns of 1741 and 1742. During the Seven Years' War, it was only employed as fortress or siege gun.

Accordingly, the 16-pdr shot diameter [4.8 zollen/12.57 cm] served as basic scale for proportioning the metal strength of the barrel walls divided into 24 parts Bore length 15.6 D. Axis of the barrel 3/7 + 3 parts (24-pdr). Conic chamber charge 1/3 the weight of the shot, or 8 pfund [ kg]. Breech metal strength 16 parts (24-pdr); 1st reinforce metal strength 23 parts to 22 parts (16-pdr) 2nd reinforce: 20 parts to 19 parts (16-pdr) Chase metal strength 17 parts to 11 parts (16-pdr).

The dimensions of the carriage are based on the 1717 design with minor modifications as a result of the shortened Holtzmann barrels. The centre transoms were placed more upwards so as to reduce the space for the wedges and likewise the wheels arrived at only 51 zollen [.. cm] as opposed to the regular height believed to be 58 or 60 zollen [ cm]. Likewise, the naves and fellows were proportioned to the scale of the smaller 16-pdr shot. The horizontal iron sheets reinforcing the fellow joints only used with the 24-pdr field carriages. They were a common feature of Prussian garrison carriages (Wall-Lafetten).

M1740 Holtzmann Conical 24-pdr.73

N.B.: this piece should not be confused with the Holtzmann design M1744 light 24-pdr field cannon with a barrel length of only 12 D and of entirely different design.

73 N.B.: The illustrated dimensions and proportions of this Prussian piece are based on the details found in Malinowsky & Bonin, Geschichte der brandenburg–preussischen Artillerie, vol. II, Berlin 1841; and on an illustration found in Gohlke, Geschichte der gesamten Feuerwaffen bis 1850, Leipzig 1911 – in this booklet falsely identified as a 12-pdr. Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 43

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 44 M1744-50 Linger Conical Chambered Guns Bronze Linger M1744 12-pdr

Bronze Linger M1746-50 3-pdr In 1746, General Linger designed a 20 calibres barrel with a conic chamber and was lighter than the Beauvrye M1746 3-pdr barrel. Apparently, this new Linger model was given the preference over the Beauvrye M1746, as around 60 pieces are believed being cast up till 1756. The light barrels seemed to have been mounted on an equally lightened carriage. Bracket cheeks were shorter, and also the wheels were scaled less high.

Table 7: M1744-50 Linger Conical Chambered 3- and 12-pdr Guns. M1746-50 Linger M1744 Linger Conical 3-pdr Conical 12-pdrs Bore 73.2mm 119mm Calibre 71.9mm 114mm Shot 1.4kg 5.6kg Length 144cm 182cm L/20 L/16 Length ratio 10.25kg/D kg/D Weight 205-207kg 487kg Weight ratio 148:1 87:1 Chamber Conical Conical Charge 0.47-0.58kg 1.63kg Charge ratio 1:3 to 1:2.4 1:3.4 Horses 4 horses 4 horses Cast in Berlin 1 in 1746 20 in 1744 11 in 1748 in Breslau 30 in 1749 24 in 1744 TOTAL

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 45 M1754 Dieschau Conical Chambered Guns The barrel was designed in 1754 by Oberst-Lieutenant Carl Wilhelm von Dieskau (1701-77) who was promoted to Inspecteur der Artillerie in place of General Linger at his death in 1755.

Dieskau, Karl Wilhelm von (1701-1777) was born on 9 August 1701 in Dieskau bei Halle an der Saale. In 1721, Dieskau joined the Prussian artillery and took part in twelve campaigns, ten battles and nine sieges. He had been a page to the Old Dessauer. He was promoted to Captain in 1746. On 9 July 1752, Major von Dieskau was awarded with the order Pour le Mérite and a splendid tobacco tin. In 1755 he was a Lieutenant-Colonel and replaced as Inspecteur der Artillerie, General Linger who died that year. In 1757, he was promoted to colonel. He was distinguished at the sieges of Wroclaw (December 1757) and Schweidnitz (April 1758 and August 1762). Between 1754 and 1771, he produced nine different cannon. Dieskau was promoted to Generalleutnant in 1768. He was awarded the Order of the Black Eagle and invented many technical improvements in the artillery. His figure appears at the base of the memorial to on the Unter den Linden in Berlin, by the sculptor Rauch. Died on 14 August 1777 in Berlin.

M1754 Dieschau Conical 6-pdr In 1754, Dieskau designed a new light 6-pdr barrel who soon replaced all cylindrical chamber 3-pdrs (the M1744 Holtzmann). The point blank range of this new light 6-pdr was 480 paces (350 m) and it’s ricochet carried up to 2,000 paces (1480 m). By 1759, the Dieskau M1754 6-pdr battalion gun was gradually becoming the standard piece of the line infantry. In fact, from this date, no new 3-pdr pieces were cast during the Seven Years' War.

The barrel was of a notably light design. No details are provided in M&B. It is believed the piece was given a rear metal strength in p equal to it's length in D – i.e. 16 p. The 1st reinforce was designed cylindrical with 16 p metal strength. It then dropped to 8 p at the face of the muzzle.

This piece used a modified M1717 carriage model in service well into the Seven Years’ War and beyond until the universal adoption of the modified M1766 model. Modifications concerned the centre transoms which were placed more upwards. Furthermore, the bracket cheeks had a somewhat greater angle than the other carriages of the period.

The piece was fitted out with the Holtzmann M1747 Richtmaschine elevating device with iron screw drive. The wheels of the carriage measured are believed to have measured 46 zollen (120.36 cm).

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 46

M1754 Dieschau Conical 6-pdr [Christian Rogge]

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 47 M1754 Dieschau Conical 12-pdr In 1754, Dieskau designed a new conical chamber short barrelled 12-pdr. This piece performed well with the tests and its shot carried over 2,000 paces. On 25 November 1754, a royal order instructed to recast all (59) 12-pdr pieces to this new model. By 1756 some 30 or 31 had been completed.

M1754 Dieschau M1754 Dieschau Conical 6-pdr Conical 12-pdr Bore 94.2mm 119mm Calibre 90.6mm 114mm Shot 2.8kg 5.6kg Length 145cm 160cm L/16 L/14 Length ratio 16.75kg/D kg/D Weight 268kg 358kg Weight ratio 96:1 64:1 Chamber Conical Conical Charge 0.9kg 1.4-1.6kg Charge ratio 1:3 1:4-1:3.5 Horses 3 horses 4 horses Range74 Pointblank 351m Max Range 1461m 2000 paces Canister 575m Cast in Berlin None 31 in 1755 in Breslau 62 in 1756 TOTAL

74 Bleckwenn (1957): Converted to metric with 1 Fuss=31.3853 cm, so the length of the Prussian pace=73.05 cm Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 48

SOJ-6(09) M1744 Beauvrye 3-pdr Battalion Gun It can be considered as the master design of yet the next transformation of ordnance to come. Indeed, this barrel seems to have been designed in response to the shortcomings of the Holtzmann M1740 piece. It had a longer barrel, but was still much lighter then the old M1717 piece. Only 18 casts of this model are documented at the Berlin foundry. Some more pieces may well have been cast, for these tables are incomplete, but this model was fielded in much fewer numbers as the Holtzmann piece.

Beauvryé, Bernhard von (1690-1750)75 was the son-in-law of General von Linger. Born as Leonard de Beauvryé of Hugenot descent on 13 August 1690 possibly in France. He transferred from Dutch to Prussian service in 1715 and first saw action at the siege of Stralsund. He married Johanna Henriette (1699-1780), the eldest daughter of General Christian Nicolaus von Linger (1669-1755) and had four sons and two daughters. In 1724, he was promoted to major and commanded his own company. He built Beauvryé Palace on Pariser Platz Nr. 5 in the middle of Berlin. Paris Platz in 1735-37 that was destroyed in 1945. In 1736, he was raised Beauvryé to imperial nobility. In 1740, he received from Frederick II the order Pour le Mérite. He commanded the artillery in the Silesian wars and was wounded twice in the battle of Soor on 30 September 1745. On 26 December 1746, he was promted to GM. On 3 May 1747, he was appointed the district administrative official of Acken, Salbe und Gottesgnade. Died on 13 August 1750 in Berlin and was buried in the Berlin garrison church.

M1746 Beauvryé Common 3-pdr barrel [Christian Rogge]

This piece used the M1717 carriage model in service well into the Seven Years' War and beyond until the universal adoption of the modified M1766 model. The Holtzmann Richtmaschine elevating device with iron screw, introduced in 1747, replaced the somewhat simpler M1717 design wedges for his own 3-pdr as well as for the Beauvrye 3-pdr. The carriage is illustrated with its iron trail rings, for manhandling the piece in action. This device was first introduced for Prussian battalion guns with the Linger design ‘20 D’ 3-pdr in 1752, in addition to the otherwise employed bricoles (drag ropes) slung across the gunners shoulders. They were thereafter also adapted for the other battalion guns. Either with the most rearward vertical iron strap or with an additional strap, as illustrated as an example on the accompanying plate.

75 Kurd Wolfgang von Schöning, Die Generale der chur-brandenburgischen und königlich preussischen Armee, p61 Leopold Zedlitz-Neukirch, Neues preussisches Adels-Lexicon, Volume I. p191 Digitalisat Anton Balthasar König, Biographisches Lexikon aller Helden und Militärpersonen, Volume I, p115 Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 49

M1746 Beauvryé Common 3-pdr. [Christian Rogge]

The wheels of the carriage measured 110 cm (42 zollen). The tracks were 136 cm (52 zollen) wide. The illustrated plan view of the carriage does not show the camber of the wheels.

Our illustration shows an artilleryman equipped with a ‘Flail–rammer’ (German: Flegelwischer) used with battalion guns for quick-firing canister rounds.

The M1746 Beauvrye Common 3-pdr was attached to the Berlin region infantry regiments including I/IR 15 Leibgarde, Prinz Heinrich (IR 35) and Münchow (IR 36). Possibly also equipped the II & III/IR15 Garde as well. These had been used in all their Potsdam exercises during the early 1750’s, as recorded in a diary of the Guards officer von Scheelen.

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 50 Table 8: Dimension of the M1746 Beauvryé Common 3-pdr M1746 Beauvryé Common 3-pdr Bore 73.2mm Calibre 71.9mm Shot 1.4kg Length 160cm L/22 Length ratio 12.5kg/D Weight 270-280kg Weight ratio 193-200:1 Chamber None Charge 0.7kg Charge ratio 1:2 Horses 4 horses

Cast in Berlin 19 in 1747 in Wesel None in Breslau None TOTAL 19

Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 51

SOJ-6(10) Prussian 2-pdr Battalion Gun for the Stettin Militia

In 1759, Captain Alexander Tilo von Seebach produced a 2-pdr cannon to equip his militia battalion [Land Regimenter] stationed in Stettin. Frederick II had refused to issue battalion guns to militia units. The barrel was cast in Stettin and resembled a late 17th Century piece with a handle instead of a cascable button. The chase had the Seebach coat of arms and below was a open banner with the text, “Nach der Königl. P. Hauptmann He Alexander Tilo v. Seebachs Arcano Gos Mich He Joh / Hein Scheelln 1759 / Stettin” surrounding a sun and a flying eagle.

The carriage constructed in Stettin was based mostly on the M1717 carriage with other elements from the Swedish 4-pdr including the squared rather than rounded trail, a single horizontal bolt near the centre transom and the unusual wedge design. Bleckwenn also provides the scale drawing to this piece.76 This unique piece was captured on 6 September 1759 in the Swedish attack on Locknilhz (Pomerania) and is on display at the Stockholm Army Museum, . This is probably the only surviving Prussian carriage that served during the Seven Years War.

Table 9: M1759 2-pdr Dimensions M1759 2-pdr Bore 68mm Calibre 62.8mm Shot 0.93kg Length 119.5cm L/19

Prussian M1759 2-pdr cast in Stettin [Stockholm Army Museum, Sweden]

76 Hans Bleckwenn’s, Die Friderizianischen Uniformen 1756 - 1786 Prussian 18th Century Artillery, SOJ-6 Page 52