Hand Cannons, Mortars, or Junk?

drac2k · 22nd October 2022, 07:34 PM

I'm certainly no expert on weapons, but I know even less about these types of items. I'm guessing that they are hand mortars & cannons, but I haven't a clue about their age or origin.
Any help would be appreciated!

Rick · 22nd October 2022, 11:07 PM

Some of these little devices look like Thunder Mugs, or signal cannon.
Useful during fogs at sea like one would use a Foghorn.
Also used for a little noise and flash at parties.

drac2k · 23rd October 2022, 12:56 AM

Thanks for the info, Rick.

fernando · 23rd October 2022, 12:49 PM

I follow Rick. Very nice examples ... with age.

drac2k · 23rd October 2022, 05:07 PM

Thanks, Fernando. They look like the ones that you posted on "Stone Balls for Comments;" are they the same type and do you have a rough idea or range of their age? Some are quite heavy ranging from 3/4" to 2" in bore with the longest being approx. 9" long.

fernando · 23rd October 2022, 05:41 PM

Hard to know. These things can be as old as one, two, three centuries. It takes an expert to judge them by the shape, forged and not cast, touch hole, ect.
Maybe (maybe) number 4, 5 and 9 would be hand cannon barrels.

22nd October 2022, 07:34 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	Hand Cannons, Mortars, or Junk? I'm certainly no expert on weapons, but I know even less about these types of items. I'm guessing that they are hand mortars & cannons, but I haven't a clue about their age or origin. Any help would be appreciated! Attached Images

23rd October 2022, 05:07 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	Thanks, Fernando. They look like the ones that you posted on "Stone Balls for Comments;" are they the same type and do you have a rough idea or range of their age? Some are quite heavy ranging from 3/4" to 2" in bore with the longest being approx. 9" long. Last edited by drac2k; 23rd October 2022 at 05:07 PM. Reason: spelling correction

22nd October 2022, 11:07 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,325	Some of these little devices look like Thunder Mugs, or signal cannon. Useful during fogs at sea like one would use a Foghorn. Also used for a little noise and flash at parties.

23rd October 2022, 12:56 AM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,250	Thanks for the info, Rick.

23rd October 2022, 12:49 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	I follow Rick. Very nice examples ... with age.

23rd October 2022, 05:41 PM	#6
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hard to know. These things can be as old as one, two, three centuries. It takes an expert to judge them by the shape, forged and not cast, touch hole, ect. Maybe (maybe) number 4, 5 and 9 would be hand cannon barrels.