Lantaka

Bill M · 12th March 2007, 10:28 PM

Good old Lantaka fighting cannon 43.5" overall length. Kampilan for size comparison.

Bronze cannons were very much more expensive to make than cast iron, but they were considered superior because they did not explode into srapnell like an iron cannon when overcharged or the metal fatigued over time. A bronze cannon usually just split. This made the bronze cannons more desrable on the big sailing ships where an exploding iron cannon in a cramped gun deck was lethal to the gunners anywehere near it.

Also there was poor quality control in the gunpowder so that it was a problem getting the right amount for maximum range. Some of the long range gunners never passed on the amount of their last charge, because there was no-one left after the gun exploded.

So how much was too much??? Oops!

Reading a fascinating book called "Gunpowder and Galleys of the 15th Century."

Most of these Lantaka were cast in Borneo. This is a very plain decorated one that bears characteristics of the fighting guns.

Some had very elaborate floriate decorations, sea horse handles, crocodiles. While these were also used for fighting, they were more often used as currency, even doweries.

Usually they were mounted on the rail of a ship, charged with gunpowder, then stuffed with a variety of different projectiles like pebbles, nails, sea-shells. Worked like giant shotguns to sweep the decks of their victims.

I have seen movies, like the "Legend of Suriothai" where they were mounted on elephant howdas. 44 Burmese War Elephants coming at you with the sun behind them. THAT was a scary sight!

Battara · 13th March 2007, 02:45 AM

HI Bill, this lantaka is a nice specifically Indonesian piece. Bet it's heavy.

klewang · 21st October 2009, 03:06 PM

I would like to have one of these lantaka's very much, unfortunatley the ones i see offered are way too expensive for me and i lack the expert-eye to see if its fake or not.

Here's an youtube video where people actually are firing one in Holland

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPcdr4R_NKI

This one is from The Philippines

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G14XjcqTQq8

Regards

fernando · 21st October 2009, 03:16 PM

Bill, you have a PM.
Fernando

Robert · 21st October 2009, 03:25 PM

Great find! Is it just me or has someone spiked the touch hole?

Robert

Bill M · 21st October 2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

Great find! Is it just me or has someone spiked the touch hole?

Robert

Robert,

It is a piece of Styrofoam from the packing. I have actually fired this cannon with a light black powder (no projectile) charge.

Noticed in the pictures what looks like iron rust around the muzzle. It is no longer there and don't know where it came from or what it as. The American term is "groddoo."

The entire cannon is bronze and can't rust. I have one that was at the bottom of the ocean long enough to have some coral in the bore. Best estimate is it was down there between 200 and 250 years.

These cannon I have were made sometime previous to 1610. There are certain characteristics present that were made differently after that period of time as technology changed.

Friendly Regards,

Bill

12th March 2007, 10:28 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Lantaka Good old Lantaka fighting cannon 43.5" overall length. Kampilan for size comparison. Bronze cannons were very much more expensive to make than cast iron, but they were considered superior because they did not explode into srapnell like an iron cannon when overcharged or the metal fatigued over time. A bronze cannon usually just split. This made the bronze cannons more desrable on the big sailing ships where an exploding iron cannon in a cramped gun deck was lethal to the gunners anywehere near it. Also there was poor quality control in the gunpowder so that it was a problem getting the right amount for maximum range. Some of the long range gunners never passed on the amount of their last charge, because there was no-one left after the gun exploded. So how much was too much??? Oops! Reading a fascinating book called "Gunpowder and Galleys of the 15th Century." Most of these Lantaka were cast in Borneo. This is a very plain decorated one that bears characteristics of the fighting guns. Some had very elaborate floriate decorations, sea horse handles, crocodiles. While these were also used for fighting, they were more often used as currency, even doweries. Usually they were mounted on the rail of a ship, charged with gunpowder, then stuffed with a variety of different projectiles like pebbles, nails, sea-shells. Worked like giant shotguns to sweep the decks of their victims. I have seen movies, like the "Legend of Suriothai" where they were mounted on elephant howdas. 44 Burmese War Elephants coming at you with the sun behind them. THAT was a scary sight! Attached Images Last edited by Bill Marsh; 12th March 2007 at 10:45 PM.

13th March 2007, 02:45 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	HI Bill, this lantaka is a nice specifically Indonesian piece. Bet it's heavy.

21st October 2009, 03:06 PM	#3
klewang Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 23	I would like to have one of these lantaka's very much, unfortunatley the ones i see offered are way too expensive for me and i lack the expert-eye to see if its fake or not. Here's an youtube video where people actually are firing one in Holland www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPcdr4R_NKI This one is from The Philippines www.youtube.com/watch?v=G14XjcqTQq8 Regards

21st October 2009, 03:16 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Bill, you have a PM. Fernando

21st October 2009, 03:25 PM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Great find! Is it just me or has someone spiked the touch hole? Robert