Ming Grand General Cannon

Timeline

1. c. 1409–1424Beijing Armaments Bureau · BeijingDuring the Yongle reign, the Armaments Bureau and local foundries cast large numbers of heavy bronze firearms for the northern campaigns against the Mongols. Forms gradually standardized, the powder chamber and trunnion structure improved, and the name 'Grand General' began to be used for large-caliber heavy firearms, with era-name inscriptions carved.
2. 1431–1440Xuanfu garrison · XuanfuDuring the Xuande and Zhengtong reigns, forts and passes at Xuanfu, Datong, and the Ji garrison were equipped with Grand General firearms of various grades, placed in watchtowers and beacon-tower emplacements. Some surviving bronze cannons with Zhengtong and Chenghua reign marks were cast at this time, forming, together with garrison troops, rockets, and hand firearms, the defensive firepower of the frontier garrisons.
3. c. 1560–1620Shanhai Pass · QinhuangdaoDuring the Wanli reign, Grand General cannons were widely used on warships, wagon camps, and in fortresses during the southeast anti-pirate campaigns and the Liaodong war against the Later Jin. Some iron Grand General cannons were enormous, requiring multiple oxen to tow. After the Tianqi reign, imported red-barbarian cannons outclassed them in range and accuracy, but they still defended the passes.