This Fine Relic Has Been Sold. Thank you! VICTORIAN BRONZE & CAST IRON SIGNAL CANNON   Ca 1860 Signal cannons were used aboard ship and ashore 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.  These cannons were generally cast in the style of the period to which they belong. Presented is a Mid 19th Century signal cannon with a bronze barrel and cast iron carriage. It likely was made in England under the reign of Queen Victoria. There is a cap with a royal crown on the left side of the carriage covering a nut. It is just to the left and below the cascabal on the carriage, which supports our conclusion of its date. Its proportions are typical of a British field gun, and it is fitted to its original cast iron carriage. Note the touch hole and the smoke residue at the bore showing that it has been fired.    It is being sold for display purposes only, and no attempt should be made to fire it without it first being inspected by a gunsmith.   NUTS AND BOLTS: There is common misconception that square and hexagon nuts and bolts were not invented and 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 are conservatively estimating its age as at least 150 years, but it could be earlier.  CONDITION: The cannon was painted black, but much of the coating has been lost to rust which adds a pleasing look of age. The barrel shows some dents and casting imperfections, but appears sound. Because of its age it should not be fired without a gunsmith's inspection. The trunnions are cast as part of the barrel which is customary and the trunnion caps are part of the carriage. There are no mold marks or inscriptions. There is a cap over a nut missing on the right side of the carriage   DIMENSIONS:   Bronze Cannon     18"   Length overall     Length of carriage 15" Length barrel         11 1/2"                         Bore 3/4" Width of barrel at bore 1 5/8"                   Width at last reinforcing band 2 1/2" Width at wheels     5 1/2"                          Weight of cannon   15 1/2 pounds                  Cap with Royal Crest Detail of carriage frame and trunnion holder           Rear view of cannon              Touch hole and Cascabal SHIPPING & INSURED PACKING by FedEx Ground to the 48 contiguous States, $35.00 OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, 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 2012 by Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved.