Antique Bronze Ships Signal Cannon Irish Ca 1890

This Fine Item Has Been Sold! Thank you!

Small signal cannons were generally made
in the style of the period of when they were made. They were used
on ship and on shore to make salutes, to warn of danger, and to attract attention in the case of an emergency. They were also
used to start yacht races.

Presented is an late 19th
or early 20th Century ship’s signal cannon with bronze barrel mounted on a wood carriage. It comes from Ireland where it was
discovered near Dublin, among a foundry’s scarp in 1959. There is an old type written label on the bottom which says it was
unlawful to possess such a weapon during the time of the “Troubles“, 1916-1921. Its proportions are typical of a British warship’s long gun, and it is fitted to its original shipboard carriage. This
represents a fine example of a bronze ships signal cannon with excellently detail and the correct
proportions.

OFFERED FOR DISPLAY ONLY. SHOULD NOT BE FIRED

NUTS AND BOLTS: There is common misconception
that hexagon nuts and bolts were not invented an used until sometime after 1908. That is plain wrong. There are numerous references
to square headed and hexagon headed bolts being used in ship construction in the 1860’s and being used in the fastening of
armor much earlier. The most authoritative statement exists in Encyclopedia Britannica’s Article 39228 which is quoted here:

“Metal screws and nuts
appeared in the 15th century. The square or hexagonal head or nut was turned with an
appropriate box wrench; a T-handled socket wrench was developed in the 16th century. Some screws used in
16th-century armour have slots (nicks) in which a screwdriver may have been used, although this tool is not shown. Deep notches
on the circumferences of the heads of other armour screws suggest that some type of pronged device was used to turn them.
Slotted, roundheaded screws were used in the 16th century, but few screw-and-nut-fastened clocks are in evidence earlier than
the 17th century. Metal screws were called machine, or machinery, screws since they were made of metal and mated with threaded
holes.”

We estimate its age as at least 120 years, but
it could be earlier.

CONDITION: The cannon shows marks
of its age, but is in overall fine condition. However, it is sold for display only. The trunnions are
cast as part of the barrel which is customary and the trunnion caps are present. There are no mold marks or inscriptions.

DIMENSIONS:

Bronze Cannon
14″ Lent overall

Length barrel
13 1/2″ Bore 3/4″

Diameter at first band 1 1/4“ at last band 2 1/8“

Width at trunnion
4 3/4″

Weight of cannon 9 pounds 3
oz

This exceedingly fine example is being sold for display purposes
only, and no attempt should be made to fire it.

Large
bore

Rack on rear for
cannon balls

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