POST MEDIEVAL TOY

1750

A complete cast 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) which includes the button has a length of 8.5mm and the cascabel button has a diameter of 6.1mm. The first reinforce is 4.4mm in length and has a maximum diameter of 11.7mm. It tapers towards the trunnions which are integral with the short second reinforce. There is vent within the first reinforce that has a diameter of 3.3mm. This vent is sometimes referred to as a 'touch-hole'. Each trunnion is circular in cross-section and has a diameter of c. 3.2mm. Trunnions sat in the top of the cheeks of the gun carriage and enabled the piece to be elevated. The chase, about 18.0mm in length, tapers slightly from the trunnions and second astragel towards the muzzle which has an outer diameter of 6.5mm. The bore is 4.7mm in diameter. There is no muzzle astragal on this example that would have divided the chase from the muzzle which is plain and does not have muzzle moulding. This toy cannon is slightly corroded and has lost most of its dark green patina. 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. 51.4 x 23.2 x 11.8mm. Weight: 20.16g. 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.