Model of a Petard

Model of a petard, in the Netherlands also referred to as a springbus. The petard was used to blow open wooden doors of city gates and fortress walls. The petard was secretly attached to the city gate, after which the gunpowder in the bronze or iron mortar was ignited. The petard is a French invention that was also used in the States' army at the end of the 16th century. In the course of the 18th century, the petard fell into disuse due to changes in siege warfare.