Curious Symbol On Breechloading Cannon

[vantique]

Hi all,
Hope everything is fine. I wish to know what this
symbol means, or is it just a sight for aiming. Thank you.

[David R]

It looks like a lashing point to me.

[vantique]

Hi David,

Could it be a Surya Majapahit symbol?
Thank you.

Regards.

[David]

Originally Posted by vantique

Hi David,

Could it be a Surya Majapahit symbol?
Thank you.

Regards.

I wouldn't think so Vantique. Firstly it doesn't really look like any of the known examples of Surya Majapahit, where the sun symbol has pointy rays and there is lots of detail within. Secondly, while breechloading swivel guns were invented in the 14th century, i don't think anything quite like this was used during Mojopahit Java.
Here is an example of Surya Majapahit found in Javanese temples.

[Rick]

Is the gun brass or iron?

[vantique]

Hi, guys.

Thank you for your replies. It is made of bronze, Rick.Thanks.

Regards.

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by David R

It looks like a lashing point to me.

As it is centred on the trunnions, and looks worn, I agree that it appears that it was for lashing or could also be used for a front sight.

[Rick]

The inverted V at the back of the breech could be used as the rear sight.

[vantique]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for all your replies. I thought it
was a relic from the Majapahit Empire😕.

Vince

[David]

Originally Posted by David

I wouldn't think so Vantique. Firstly it doesn't really look like any of the known examples of Surya Majapahit, where the sun symbol has pointy rays and there is lots of detail within. Secondly, while breechloading swivel guns were invented in the 14th century, i don't think anything quite like this was used during Mojopahit Java.
Here is an example of Surya Majapahit found in Javanese temples.

Well, i'm going to have to correct myself, as it does seem that breech loading cannons like this were indeed used during the Mojopahit period. Apparently these are known as "cetbang".
"Majapahit cetbang cannon from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from ca. 1470-1478. The Surya Majapahit emblem can be seen."
As you can see, there is a Surya Majapahit emblem on this cetbang in much the same place as the symbol on yours. I still don't think yours shows a Surya Majapahit because the form seems wrong, but perhaps it is a symbol relating to Mataram or some other subsequent kingdom.

[vantique]

Thank you David for giving my cannon a
second look and opinion.

😊Stay well,

Vince