18th century Gunners Stilleto?

[katana]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Why make a well finished ornamental object, strategically marked for a simple function such as disarming a cannon as this could be as easily done with the priming iron, as I mentioned in post #5.

I dont think ordnance such as cannon balls were decorated and marked at least as far as I know, as thier end result was of course to be destroyed.

Hmmmm.

Hi Jim ,
I would imagine the decision whether to spike a cannon or not would be the decision of an officer asigned to the cannon. Therefore, perhaps also a status symbol of that authority. Hence, the ornamental element.

All the best
David