Stand NOT Included

 

Lantakas were popular in the East Indies starting
in the 16th Century, where they were mounted on small ships as swivel guns. In smaller size, they also were considered
a form of currency. The small ones were not only intended for use as weapons, but were admired for their beauty.

Presented is a large cast bronze cannon
of traditional Lantaka design with a flared barrel at the front. It is decidedly Indonesian in style with
raised floral designs at the front and rear. It has a yoke and pin which makes it a swivel gun for use on
the bulwark of a ship. The extension at the rear was to insert a wooden stock in the hollow tube for aiming. Its proportions
follow that of a ship’s long gun. This weapon was used as
a fighting gun, or as a signaling device on board a ship.

 

LEGAL STATUS: Imported from Malaysia under Export
License Number 1240 dated 29 JUN 2007 issued by the Muzium Sarawak, Jabatan, in accordance with Section 11 of the Sarawak
Cultural Heritage Ordinance of 1993. Cleared by U.S. Customs on July 7, 2007.

CONDITION: The cannon has sight
front and rear, and a rich dark, patina with green overtones. The trunnions are cast as part of the barrel which is
traditional. There are no mold marks, but there are the classic Indonesian floral and geometric designs. There are lots of
marks of its 400 years age.  The touch hole has a rim around it and is clear to the bore which runs the length of
the barrel.

 This fine ancient example of a Lantaka is a 400 year old, ANCIENT
RELIC, and is being sold for display purposes only!

 

DIMENSIONS: 36 1/4″ LOA   
Bore 11/16″      WEIGHT: 40
1/2 lbs

View from rear

Bore, front and rear sights

Barrel, reinforcing bands & design

Touch hole with dam

HISTORY: Usually the better quality cannons were cast in Holland, Europe and England starting in the 1600’s.
These were finer in detail, design, and quality then those that were made in the Spice Islands.  The small ones were
intended as a presentation piece, for personal protection in close in fighting, as a signaling device, or as a form of
currency. The quality of this casting indicates that its origin was in Indonesia from where it was likely made in the 17th
Century.