East Asia, China, late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, ca. mid to late 17th century CE. A fine forged-iron hand cannon with a conical socketing shaft, a trio of stocky arms, and three cylindrical cannon barrels joined via three slender astragals and a muzzle cap. The back of each barrel has a petite wick spout protruding outwards to enable the lighting of a fuse to ignite the compacted gunpowder 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 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: 17.5" L x 2.625" W (44.4 cm x 6.7 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in February 2005; ex-George Petroutsas collection, Watsonville, California, USA

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#151889

Majority of original wooden pole missing, though one fragment still remains. Minor nicks and abrasions to socketing shaft, arms, and barrels, with light encrustations, and slight bending to overall form of socketing shaft, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout. Cannon barrels have not been tested for firing functionality.