A tiny cannon for ID and coments

[Evgeny_K]

Originally Posted by fernando

A very nice piece indeed. Surely a (signal) mortar and not a (hand) cannon , judging by its base and touchhole 'lip', both indicating this is a vertical firing device.
I wouldn't guess its age, due to my little knowledge but, it must be an ancient example, due to its overall look and specially the marks, which are often seen in old swords ... 16-17th century ?

Thank you, Fernando!
I've already received the same opinion - it's a 18th century signal device.

[fernando]

I wouldn't question it being as 'modern' as from the 18th century but then, the marks, the so called 'sickle and the other, were inspired in a much earlier marking system ... or is it my optical ilusion .
(picture from the WALLACE COLLECTION catalogue)

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