Lantaka

[Bill M]

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!