POST MEDIEVAL TOY

1750

A complete post-Medieval copper-alloy "toy" cannon of probable eighteenth to nineteenth century date (c. 1750-c. 1850).The toy is described as if it were a functioning cannon.The cascable (or cascabel) has a length of about 9.8mm. The base ring diameter is 11.7mm. Close to the base ring a vent or 'touch-hole' has a diameter of 1.8mm. The trunnions (length: 17.7mm) are set about mid-way down the side of the barrel. They are circular in cross-section and have a diameter of c. 2.5mm. The trunnions sat in the top of the cheeks of the gun carriage and enabled the piece to be elevated. There is a no muzzle astragal. The muzzle moulding has diameter of 9.3mm and the bore at the muzzle has a diameter of 4.1mm.This cannon is corroded and drab green with patches of a dark brown patina. The barrel is partially filled with soil.The cannon is probably a working model and miniature cannon such as this example may not have been toys for children but may have been used by adults.Length: 48.2mm; width: 17.7mm; thickness: 11.7mm. Weight: 16.05g. (the weight includes soil within).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.