The first documented use of live artillery in Europe dates back to the first half of the 14th century. It was still a relatively primitive weapon, but the development of artillery progressed rapidly. By the following century, artillery forces were operating in most European countries, and cannons had acquired their distinctive shape. A typical cannon consisted of a barrel and a carriage (stock)—usually a wooden base, forged in metal, and usually equipped with wheels. The barrel was divided into three sections, known as pieces: the front section—the muzzle section, the middle section—the pin section, and the rear section—the bottom section. The sections were separated by specially formed rings. In the middle section, special pins were formed on the sides and inserted into the stock, while on top of the barrel were handles called dolphins, as they were often cast in this shape. In the center of the domed bottom section was a spherical bottom handle, called a gron. The top of the barrel was often additionally decorated, for example, with the owner’s coat of arms, a name or symbol alluding to them, or another motif. Their production method was also refined. Barrels were cast primarily from bronze, most often a specific variety called bell bronze, due to the properties of this alloy. Cannons, like bells, were cast by bell founders. Another metal commonly used in cannon casting was carburized iron (cast iron), much cheaper than bronze but less durable. The barrel of the cannon on display was cast from cast iron and is decorated with a winged head motif. Its small caliber and size significantly limited its combat capabilities, but allowed for relatively safe firing of salutes in honor of important people or events. Small-caliber cannons fired in honor of important people or events were called “wiwatówki” (“cheer guns”), and in fact, this was their main, if not only, function. They were used for several centuries, including in the 19th century, when older cannons began to be replaced by modern guns. In some places, such as in units with historical traditions, they are still used as cheering devices today.
