This Interesting Cannon Has Been Sold. Thank you!

VINTAGE BRONZE SHIP'S SIGNAL CANNON Ca 1890

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                     Label on bottom SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated after the auction and is an additional charge. You may email us before bidding to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling. OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if the error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  You are responsible for knowing whether this article can be shipped to your country. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.   Copyright 2010 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved