12th March 2007, 09:28 PM | #1 |
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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! Last edited by Bill Marsh; 12th March 2007 at 09:45 PM. |
13th March 2007, 01:45 AM | #2 |
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HI Bill, this lantaka is a nice specifically Indonesian piece. Bet it's heavy.
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21st October 2009, 02:06 PM | #3 |
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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, 02:16 PM | #4 |
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Bill, you have a PM.
Fernando |
21st October 2009, 02:25 PM | #5 |
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Great find! Is it just me or has someone spiked the touch hole?
Robert |
21st October 2009, 05:18 PM | #6 | |
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Quote:
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 |
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21st October 2009, 05:39 PM | #7 |
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Very nice piece to add to the "Museum"
Any more details of how and where this was 'salvaged' ....should make interesting reading. Nice to see you posting again, Bill. All the best Regards David |
21st October 2009, 07:44 PM | #8 |
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Very impressive cannon.
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21st October 2009, 08:12 PM | #9 |
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Interesting video on youtube.
Especially the one that is fixed on a barrel must give quiet a blow to the arm ? Did you see this one on the same location ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMBYx...eature=related I am sure that it is only black powder they are firing... But still, pretty weird shooting place with people walking around. That is probably why I stick to edged weapons |
23rd October 2009, 07:55 AM | #11 | ||
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Awesome Lantaka Bill!
Are there any more modern makers of lantaka? I'd expect not, but you never know.. some folks in Fujian still make traditional chuan... there's still a few good pandays in Sulu... phinsis are still made in Kalimantan... so why not lantaka? One can hope. Quote:
Someday maybe... Quote:
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23rd October 2009, 03:44 PM | #12 |
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Hi there KuKulzA28,
The pieces fired in the first video certainly look authentic to me, saw similar items in museums so i suppose they could be antiques, but i don't know for sure... Since the title of the second video is "Cannon made from junk (Lantaka)" i doubt they are original, maybe reproductions to lighten up celebrations as some type of fireworks.I believe lantakas also were used for that purpose in the old days. If you are a registrated member of YouTube (not me) you can contact the person who posted the video, perhaps they know more... Have a nice weekend... |
23rd October 2009, 09:44 PM | #13 |
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Lantakas in Singapore
These pics have appeared here before but thought a reshow would be appropriate. They are on display at Fort Siloso on Sentosa Island in Singapore.
Regards Stuart |
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