Medieval hand cannons -- asian?

[fearn]

There's a wikipedia article that talks about early Chinese gunpowder technology, and it includes a picture of the Yuan Dynasty handgun dated to 1298 CE. According to the article, the oldest evidence for a Chinese cannon is from a stone sculpture dated 1128 CE.

One thing that's interesting is that the article also talks about the predecssors of guns: bamboo (later metal) fire lances that burned gunpowder and sprayed poison, bits of ceramic, or whatever out the front. The step from a barrel shoving burning material in someone's face to spraying things to a gun is pretty direct, and for once, it looks like the weapons evolved in a fairly linear fashion, rather than the discontinuous mode we're used to seeing.

My 0.002 yuan,

F

[Bill M]

Miguel,

The last cannon you pictured is a Lantaka. In fact a crocodile version. Looks quite nice. can't tell from the quality of picture if it was made as a fighting cannon, or a trade piece.

I have some of these going back to the late 1500s to early 1600s, but though I have some of the "seahorse" ornamented, I don't have a crocodile.

Do you have any other pictures of it?

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Bill Marsh

Miguel,

The last cannon you pictured is a Lantaka. In fact a crocodile version. Looks quite nice. can't tell from the quality of picture if it was made as a fighting cannon, or a trade piece.

I have some of these going back to the late 1500s to early 1600s, but though I have some of the "seahorse" ornamented, I don't have a crocodile.

Do you have any other pictures of it?

Hi Bill,

Kindly refer to this LINK for more pics. The piece is described at that site as:

PERSONAL BRONZE LANTAKA CANNON

Swivel Gun Early1900's!

Known as a personal cannon, the Lantaka was popular in the East Indies starting in the 16 th Century, where they were mounted on small ships as swivel guns, and also considered a form of currency. They were not only intended for use as weapons, but were admired for their beauty.

Presented is a cast bronze cannon of a traditional Lantaka with a flared barrel at the front. It is decidedly Indonesian in design with raised floral and geometric designs at the front and rear. It has a yoke and pin which makes it a swivel gun for use on the bulwark of a ship. The extension at the rear was to insert a wooden stock in the hollow tube for aiming. Its proportions follow that of a ship's long gun.

USE: It is of the type of weapon that was used as a presentation piece, for personal protection in close in fighting, as a signaling device, or as a form of currency in earlier times. When this cannon was cast, its use was strictly as that of currency and to enhance the importance and prestige of its owner.

CONDITION: The cannon has sight front and rear, and a rich dark, patina with green overtones. The trunnions are cast as part of the barrel which is traditional. There are no mold marks, but there are the classic Indonesian floral and geometric designs enhanced by the desirable figure of an alligator above the pivot point. On each side is a cast in place VOC cartouche on the sides behind the alligator. VOC was the sign of the Dutch East India Company. The touch hole has a rim around it and is clear to the bore which runs the length of the barrel. There is a fracture around the casting at the breech.

This fine example of a Lantaka is being sold for display purposes only, and no attempt should be made to fire it. There is an old fracture at the breech.

DIMENSIONS: 24 3/4" LOA x 2 5/8“ W at breech, 1 3/4" at first band
Bore 11/16" WEIGHT: 28 lbs

HISTORY: Usually the better quality miniature personal cannons were cast in Holland, Europe and England starting in the 1600's. These were finer in detail, design, and quality then those that were made in the Spice Islands. They were intended as a presentation piece, for personal protection in close in fighting, as a signaling device, or as a form of currency. The quality of this casting indicates that its origin was in Indonesia from where it was likely made in the first quarter of the 20th Century.

Yup, I knew it was a lantaka

However, I thought that being one of the small versions, such lantaka also served the purpose of being a 'hand cannon', in a loose sense that is.

Best regards.

[Bill M]

Thank you Miguel for the link and information.

These did range in size from small to large. I have them from 24" like the one you posted up to about five feet and 300 pounds.

Though some of the smaller ones were used as hand cannons, most were used as swivel or rail guns and mounted on boats.

I have read (somewhere) that some of the smaller Lantakas were cut down to make the breech end more portable. These were sometimes hand -held and used to blow down an enemy's door.

Thank you for bringing these cannons up. Fascinating subject.

You are a welcome member to the Forum. Let me know if I can be of service in helping you collect.

[Ed]

I have heard that there is a thriving business in faking these things. Anyone know the story?

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by Ed

I have heard that there is a thriving business in faking these things. Anyone know the story?

I have heard the same.

Many were made as fighting guns. Others were made for "trade" or used as currency and bride prices. Some are just junk. Sending you a PM

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Bill Marsh

Thank you Miguel for the link and information ... You are a welcome member to the Forum. Let me know if I can be of service in helping you collect.

Hi Bill!

Am glad you found the link useful.

Thanks for the warm welcome! And thanks too for the offer to help in starting my collection. I will certainly request for your kind assistance one of these days.

Thanks again!