LU researchers have digitally reconstructed approximations of the missing guns from the voids carved into the wooden carriages that were recovered in 2002. The guns and their carriages have been 3D printed at LU, allowing easy comparison of the artillery pieces in the battery (see figure 2). This study has revealed that Gribshunden carried at least three different varieties of guns: small-bore long guns constructed of wrought iron staves and hoops; large-bore short guns constructed of wrought iron staves and hoops; and small-bore long guns perhaps constructed of cast metal (bronze or iron). Preliminary dendrochronological studies of the carriages to determine the date and place where the trees were cut are as yet inconclusive, but positive results possibly may be obtained with a larger sample size. To advance both of these research efforts, we recovered one wooden gun carriage (A237) for dendrochronological analysis, study and publication, conservation and curation, and public exhibition (see figure 3a & figure 3b). A237 has now been 3D modeled by LU researchers, in cooperation with BM staff.
We believe that gun carriage A237 was moved from its original depositional location sometime between 2002 and 2019. None of the previous archaeological reports show it in that position, but in 2019 the carriage was observed in its recovery locus. A237 perhaps was recorded in 2002 as lavett #13 or #14, both located portside aft at the time. Its partner, either #13 or #14, is no longer visible on the sea floor. It is possible this gun carriage was looted from the site.