Iron Making in Fornovolasco (Italy) at the End of the Fifteenth Century, the Canecchio Furnace, and an Artifact Characterization

This study investigates the rise of the Este family in Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy) during the first half of the 15th century. The Este wanted to annex this region to improve their cast-iron production both for military and economic advantages. This article, thanks to a document found in the State Archives of Modena, encompasses an overview of the Fornovolasco settlement, a description of the furnace room, an analysis of the first casting campaign, and an attempt at furnace sizing. In the final section, a brief characterization of a cast-iron artifact found in that region and probably coming from this casting campaign is provided.