It’s a canon, but what sort?

Cathey · 27th August 2016, 11:41 AM

Hi guys

I am posting this for a friend who generally collects firearms curiosa; he picked up this small canon at a local auction and is looking for any assistance he can get with its identification etc.

What he would like to know is if it is a Mortar or a small Canon, age, nationality. Rex put the can of drink next to it to give an indication of size.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers Cathey and Rex

kronckew · 27th August 2016, 01:11 PM

looks like a swivel gun, or a small carronade for a ship's boat. is that a plaque on ithe top between the trunnions? any markings?

p.s. - it's 'cannon'

CSinTX · 27th August 2016, 01:19 PM

Would you happen to have a better close up picture of the muzzle? It looks like there may be a separation of metals around the edge?

The trunnions look to be a touch small for its size and are they tapered?

Overall, I think it looks good but just a few thoughts to clarify.

If original, I would guess late 18th C.

M ELEY · 28th August 2016, 12:42 AM

Wow! What a great piece! I believe Wayne nailed it with the swivel attribution. It would appear from the pics (hard to tell, though) that the trunnions are set lower on the gun, which they would be if it were truly a 'rail' piece and allowing for steep angling downwards. Brass and bronze guns were more resistant to the salt erosion of sea air. Nice find!! I'd beg on the street for a piece like this in my meager collection-

Silver Shield · 28th August 2016, 01:13 AM

IMA , had a googolplex of 18th century stuff they got out of Katmandu, in Nepal some years ago. This Cannon looks very similar to those short stubby 12lb cannons they had . Should have about a 5 inch bore ,. I know recycled cannon sold to Asia some times had markings covered or removed . The Bore reminds me of some guns that have a steel sleeve inserted into barrel to be safe to shoot . the bore face just looks like some bronze or other metal has been hammered over something to hide some feature . They sold for pretty good amount . I'm pretty sure that's what this Cannon is . IMA thought they where recycled Napoleonic naval guns , maybe the plate is hiding something as it is not a normal feature on guns of this kind . Small Carronade is what it is if European , but if Asian Cast .. just normal odd each one different kinda stuff .

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 28th August 2016, 05:51 PM

This looks like a CARRONADE ...For some interesting reading please see https://johnsmachines.com/2016/05/11...e-vs-long-gun/

27th August 2016, 11:41 AM	#1
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 282	It’s a canon, but what sort? Hi guys I am posting this for a friend who generally collects firearms curiosa; he picked up this small canon at a local auction and is looking for any assistance he can get with its identification etc. What he would like to know is if it is a Mortar or a small Canon, age, nationality. Rex put the can of drink next to it to give an indication of size. Thanks in advance. Cheers Cathey and Rex Attached Images

28th August 2016, 01:13 AM	#5
Silver Shield Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Phoenix Arizona USA Posts: 32	Most likely Nepalese IMA , had a googolplex of 18th century stuff they got out of Katmandu, in Nepal some years ago. This Cannon looks very similar to those short stubby 12lb cannons they had . Should have about a 5 inch bore ,. I know recycled cannon sold to Asia some times had markings covered or removed . The Bore reminds me of some guns that have a steel sleeve inserted into barrel to be safe to shoot . the bore face just looks like some bronze or other metal has been hammered over something to hide some feature . They sold for pretty good amount . I'm pretty sure that's what this Cannon is . IMA thought they where recycled Napoleonic naval guns , maybe the plate is hiding something as it is not a normal feature on guns of this kind . Small Carronade is what it is if European , but if Asian Cast .. just normal odd each one different kinda stuff .

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27th August 2016, 01:11 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,181	looks like a swivel gun, or a small carronade for a ship's boat. is that a plaque on ithe top between the trunnions? any markings? p.s. - it's 'cannon'

27th August 2016, 01:19 PM	#3
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	Would you happen to have a better close up picture of the muzzle? It looks like there may be a separation of metals around the edge? The trunnions look to be a touch small for its size and are they tapered? Overall, I think it looks good but just a few thoughts to clarify. If original, I would guess late 18th C.

28th August 2016, 12:42 AM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,093	Wow! What a great piece! I believe Wayne nailed it with the swivel attribution. It would appear from the pics (hard to tell, though) that the trunnions are set lower on the gun, which they would be if it were truly a 'rail' piece and allowing for steep angling downwards. Brass and bronze guns were more resistant to the salt erosion of sea air. Nice find!! I'd beg on the street for a piece like this in my meager collection-

28th August 2016, 05:51 PM	#6
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	This looks like a CARRONADE ...For some interesting reading please see https://johnsmachines.com/2016/05/11...e-vs-long-gun/