East Asia, China, Late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, ca. 17th century CE. A sizable cast-iron hand cannon with a lengthy wooden pole secured with the hammered sides of the socketing shaft. The iron cannon has a square firing head within which eight narrow barrels are situated, each bearing a small perforated opening into which a lit fuse is inserted, thus igniting the compacted gunpowder held within. The Chinese hand cannon - or "handgonne" - was a shoulder-mounted weapon that was both cumbersome and difficult to aim. However, if the fired projectile did hit its intended target, the inflicted damage would be immense. Typical hand cannons like this example were capable of firing .50 to .70 caliber projectiles and paved the way for modern-day firearms. Size: 57.75" L x 3" W (146.7 cm x 7.6 cm).

Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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#148876

Losses to some lower areas of cannon head. Minor abrasions and nicks to wooden pole and cannon head, with light encrustations within some recessed areas. Light earthen deposits and wonderful patina throughout. Cannon has not been tested for functionality.