Signaling cannons were made for several purposes. To open a fancy party, salute, as timekeeper or as presentation model.
This finely made example is casted in bronze and is decorated with a rounded cable motif near the front and rear.
The cannon is actually functioning well, the touch hole is open and so is the smooth bore barrel. Cannons like these were often made of cast iron or bronze.
Bronze cannons tend to be more suitable in a maritime environment. However, bronze is a softer and more valuable material compared to iron which made them much more expensive to cast and less dangerous due to the fact that iron cannons sometimes cracked open during an explosion killing its crew.

Conclusion: This small sized bronze signal-cannon, perfectly suitable for a gentleman’s desk.

Provenance: French art market

Condition: Good condition, the patina shows some tarnish. Further great original patina and fully functioning.

Dimensions: 30 x 7.5cm
Barrel diameter: 16mm
Weight: 1.634gr.