Unknown Weapon

RhysMichael · 15th June 2013, 08:26 PM

It will be interesting to see what it turns out to be

trenchwarfare · 15th June 2013, 10:10 PM

I'm thinking some kind of harpoon, or harpoon head. Maybe fired from a cannon? Looks to dangerous to be used as a hand held weapon. Would easily pinch your fingers off.

The pole cannon is cool, and looks legit. Lots of fakes coming out of China. All I've seen, are very heavily rusted.

Philip · 16th June 2013, 06:13 AM

The hand cannon is trying to look like an original specimen from the heyday of these weapons, 14th through early 17th cent. However, based on seeing published examples in various museums, handling others in private collections, and even owning a few, I can state with confidence that the appearance of this example is not anywhere near that of the diverse types of these weapons made in China, Vietnam, Korea, and even Japan. The proportions and shape are not right. One should also remember that the vast majority of Far Eastern examples are made of bronze, not iron. Another point is that the corrosion seen on this example is too uniform for something that has been rusting away for many centuries, possibly underground. It looks induced by an aggressive acid bath. The touch-hole is just too symmetrical for something that would likely be eroded by heat and explosive byproducts ejected during firing over a period of time.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 16th June 2013, 06:27 AM

Salaams all... My guess is that the first item is a set of folding scales .

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

fernando · 16th June 2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams all... My guess is that the first item is a set of folding scales .

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Pretty good guess, i would say.

clockwork · 16th June 2013, 11:50 PM

all the weight is in the back so dont believe its a scale. The cover can be locked with a ring and can be with some difficulty locked on the back side. plus the front has sharpened edges.

fearn · 17th June 2013, 01:05 AM

Is the sharpening of the one edge of the same age as the rest? Ibrahim's the first one to suggest a possible function.

It doesn't make much sense as a standalone weapon, because that swinging cover is a wonderful knuckle masher. The blunt end is quite large to be used as a haft. It makes some sense as a scale, but only if it's been altered to be more weaponish.

Or is there something I'm missing here?

Best,

F

15th June 2013, 08:26 PM	#1
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	It will be interesting to see what it turns out to be Last edited by RhysMichael; 15th June 2013 at 08:37 PM.

16th June 2013, 06:13 AM	#3
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	doesn't look kosher to me The hand cannon is trying to look like an original specimen from the heyday of these weapons, 14th through early 17th cent. However, based on seeing published examples in various museums, handling others in private collections, and even owning a few, I can state with confidence that the appearance of this example is not anywhere near that of the diverse types of these weapons made in China, Vietnam, Korea, and even Japan. The proportions and shape are not right. One should also remember that the vast majority of Far Eastern examples are made of bronze, not iron. Another point is that the corrosion seen on this example is too uniform for something that has been rusting away for many centuries, possibly underground. It looks induced by an aggressive acid bath. The touch-hole is just too symmetrical for something that would likely be eroded by heat and explosive byproducts ejected during firing over a period of time.

15th June 2013, 10:10 PM	#2
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	I'm thinking some kind of harpoon, or harpoon head. Maybe fired from a cannon? Looks to dangerous to be used as a hand held weapon. Would easily pinch your fingers off. The pole cannon is cool, and looks legit. Lots of fakes coming out of China. All I've seen, are very heavily rusted.

16th June 2013, 06:27 AM	#4
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams all... My guess is that the first item is a set of folding scales . Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi

16th June 2013, 11:50 PM	#6
clockwork Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 96	all the weight is in the back so dont believe its a scale. The cover can be locked with a ring and can be with some difficulty locked on the back side. plus the front has sharpened edges.

17th June 2013, 01:05 AM	#7
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Is the sharpening of the one edge of the same age as the rest? Ibrahim's the first one to suggest a possible function. It doesn't make much sense as a standalone weapon, because that swinging cover is a wonderful knuckle masher. The blunt end is quite large to be used as a haft. It makes some sense as a scale, but only if it's been altered to be more weaponish. Or is there something I'm missing here? Best, F