Swivel cannons, modified?

[CaribbeanDiver]

These fantastic cannons are a bit of a puzzle to us, well the second one is.

These two were laying on top of one another, found a year apart. They weigh 1-1-17 and 1-1-18 with broad arrows on both. Same exact design, but slight differences (Were the molds destroyed after each cannon was made?) Early 1700's English Navy for sure.

Is this an aiming device? We suspect it was something made by a sailor aboard, but would love to hear others opinions. The first had a wooden handle, the second (which we call the MacGyver Gun) has an iron handle.

All thoughts are welcome

 

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[maximushisp]

Beautiful cannons.

 

[CaribbeanDiver]

Neither of those ideas make sense to me considering its shape, but worth a thought...

 

[CaribbeanDiver]

We considered damage, but since there are two sides exactly the same, and the swivel is in the upright position, that has been ruled out. The "weld" was also perfect. The condition is amazing.

We have found no reasonable explanation for what this is, but we feel it is quite incredable.

The mystery continues.

Here is what she looked like with the encrustation.

 

[CaribbeanDiver]

The unit was attached as shown, but was just not going to stay on. That will actually help in storage and preservation. It is an exact fit in it's old formerly encrusted spot.

 

[Smithbrown]

I have come accross a very similiar device on a swivel gun at Bamborugh Castle in England. The gun sits in the stirrup and a long pin or bar is put accross the top through the holes. It prevents the gun from being elevated too high or too low. I assume it was also to keep the gun steady when not in use.

The guns are 1/2 pounder swivel guns. This type of gun was first bought in 1721 for the British Navy and regular purchases were made, often in large numbers, until 1781, with a few last swivel guns acquired in 1796-7. They could remain in use some time after the last purchases.

Smithbrown

 

[Peg Leg]

OK it is a swivel cannon made from iron and was made around 1721.
Can anyone tell me about the estimated date of the same type gun made from bronze that is say about 36 inches long.
Thanks
Peg Leg

 

[mariner]

Bronze swivel guns were in use by the Spanish by 1530. I do not know when they stopped being used, but I suspect that Diving Doc will know !

Mariner

 

[Smithbrown]

Spain continued to use bronze breechloading swivel guns upto the end of the 18th century; the latest example I have a note of is dated 1787, cast at Seville, and now in the Army Museum in Madrid.

Smithbrown

 

[AA23]

wows that an incredible picture

 

[Trez]

For Sale ?
I have a buyer...They will conserve it also.

Trez

 

[IrishCharlieM]

Just incrediable.....Beautiful Pieces

 

[Mackaydon]

Great pics, Doc,
Don.....

 

[Peg Leg]

Great pictures Doc.
Really outstanding photos.
Peg Leg

 

[Alamid]

Buyer

I have a ancient cannon here recovered under the sea. Im looking for a buyer

 

[Alamid]

I have here an ancient cannon. That looks like in the picture

 

[PhipsFolly]

Alamid... how much are you selling the cannon for?

 

[Mackaydon]

Alamid,
Welcome to treasurenet !!
To sell an item on treasurenet.com you first need to be a Charter Member or a Sponsor
Please consult the Rules to see how to become a Charter Member.
Don......

 

[PhipsFolly]

Oh yeah sorry I forgot about that rule and shouldn’t have asked on here...

 

[Small Adventures]

The unit was attached as shown, but was just not going to stay on. That will actually help in storage and preservation. It is an exact fit in it's old formerly encrusted spot.

I think a pin would have gone through the unit so it could be kept at a set elevation or depression. Like the lockingvwheel on a modern gun mount.