THE CHARM OF OLD CRAFTS IN KREMNICA

GUNSMITHS

Kremnica

Gun making was a precise metal working craft, connected with lock making. The gun makers were originally locksmiths, and later joined other guilds. The origin of firearms is associated with the invention of gunpowder (China 12th-13th century), which spread to Europe during the 14th century. From the 15th century, firearms went through various stages of development of the mechanism for firing the gunpowder with the help of a lock from fuse or wheel lock (beginning of 16th century), flint (second half of 16th century) to percussion lock (second half of 18th century).

The gun-maker made complete guns and pistols, although some specialized only in production of the firing mechanism and completing the weapon.

Gun makers did not have a separate guild at Kremnica. In 1579, they formed a joint guild with the lock makers, belt makers, joiners, sword makers, knife makers, cart wrights and glass makers. We already have a record of gun makers from the beginning of the 16th century. In 1505, a master gun maker paid tax of 50 denars. In 1777, only one gun maker remained in the town.

The gun makers chose two crossed pistols as their emblem.

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Reprinted from: The Charm of Old Crafts, PhDr. Ludmila Nemeskurthiova, 
Published by © National Bank of Slovakia-Museum of Coins and Medals Kremnica 1998
Published in the Slovak Heritage Live newsletter Volume 7, No. 4, Winter 1999 
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