This is an exceptional inventor's / builder's model of a Breech Loading Field Cannon of the late 17th to early 18th century period.
It was common practice during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries for precise models to be built to demonstrate 'new' types of military and naval hardware. These models were fully operational. The models were also very finely made to impress the military and nobility who would be the patrons of these designs and pay for production of the full size piece. Attempts were made for several hundred years to design and manufacture reliable breech loading ordnance. Design of this cannon's breech is relatively practical for a light field cannon such as this model represents. The breech features a 'touch hole' on the upper surface of the breechblock, the breech is simple to manipulate, and hot gasses leaking from the breech in firing ( a big problem until the development of fixed ammunition) would be mostly directed away from the gunner. We believe this fine model is an inventor's/builder's model to promote construction of the full sized cannon. The coat of arms escutcheon atop the model's barrel is blank - the full sized gun would bear the coat of arms of the financier of the project.
The well proportioned bronze barrel is chiseled in foliate and 'fish scale' designs, and the barrel lifts are formed as clasped hands rather than the usual dolphins. The barrel form suggests the cannon is of Spanish or Italian origin. The iron breechblock is hinged and positioned with two heavy iron bolts and there is a place for a locking pin.
The well proportioned and very finely made carriage is built of fruitwood with some carved detail, iron strapping, and pierced and engraved iron decorative mountings fixed by hand forged decorative iron bolts, spikes, and nails. The very finely built wheels seem to be oak with iron tires and iron reinforcements.
This cannon is in excellent original untouched 'Attic Condition'.
The bronze barrel shows very little wear with a fine deep age patina. The carriage is in excellent condition with what appears to be complete original finish/patina on wood surfaces and deep age browning/patina on the iron parts. There are some proper indications of age/shrinkage on the wooden carriage and proper wear on the iron banding on the bottom of the trail on the carriage.
This is a handsome and rare period inventor's or builder's model in the most desirable condition for the knowledgeable collector of antique arms and/or militaria.
Dimensions: Bbl. length 17", Breach Dia. 3", Cal. 7/8", Wheel dia. 9", Overall length 25", Width 13", Height 10"
Price: $6800.00
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