This gun represents a pioneering step in the development of artillery armament.
In 1855 Sir William Armstrong invented this type of breech loading gun with a rifled bore; allowing the gun to be loaded from behind (breech loading) increased the rate of fire. Using a rifled bore improved its accuracy by 57 times and meant that the gun was still accurate over a distance of 4.5km.
This gun was the forerunner of today's artillery equipment.
By W.G. Armstrong and Company
On display at Discovery Museum, first floor Tyneside Challenge Gallery, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
