Feb 19, 2011: The hall dedicated to the history of Russian artillery up to mid-19th century is so decorative that it can compete with the Hermitage. As you know, there was no mass production in 15th-17th centuries, the process of making a cannon barrel could take months. Thus every cannon is a masterpiece of handicraft, many of them having own names. I would like to mention as well, that the artifacts made centuries ago are in very good condition. No patinas, moulds and green spots which are so usual to see on old things made of bronze and cast-iron.

This bronze fire-spitting wolf guarded Tobolsk.

Photo by Andrei Katrovskiy

St. Petersburg Museum of Artillery
The barrel of “Wolf” pishchal. Cast from bronze in 1684 by master Yakov Dubina. Caliber 55 mm, length 213 cm, weight 221 kg