POST MEDIEVAL TOY

1700

An incomplete post-Medieval to Modern cast lead "toy" cannon (1700-1850).The toy is described as if it were a functioning cannon:The cascable (or cascabel) which includes the button is 8.2mm in length and has a diameter of 8.7mm. There is a deep circular indentation at the end of the button. The vent field, between the base ring and the astragal, is 3.8mm in length. At the centre of the vent field there is a circular vent, sometimes referred to as a 'touch-hole'. This has a diameter of 2.6mm. The reinforce and the chase are formed of one tapering entity from the astragal to the muzzle moulding. Situated about mid-way along their length the integral trunnions are circular in cross-section and have a width of 16.6mm. About mid-way between the trunnions and the muzzle moulding there are two circumferential grooves which are 2.5mm apart. The diameter of the muzzle moulding is 5.4mm and the diameter of the bore is 4.3mm. Depth of bore: 29.8mm. The cannon does not have a patina and it is partially covered in powdery green copper-alloy corrosion products. Where the metal surface is visible it is a drab reddish brown colour. 39.6 x 16.4 x 8.7mm. Weight: 8.41g.Miniature cannon such as this one may not have been toys for children but may have been used by adults. The terminology used in this description has been taken from Blackmore, H. L. 1976. 216. Blackmore, H. L. 1976. The Armouries of the Tower of London. Vol. 1, Ordnance, 216. London: HMSO.