17th C. Chinese Iron Hand Cannon w/ Wooden Pole

East Asia, China, Late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, ca. 17th century CE. A hefty cast-iron hand cannon with a lengthy wooden pole secured within the conical socketing shaft. The iron cannon has a narrow barrel surrounded by a slightly flared muzzle, three thick astragals, and a stocky shoulder with a petite fuse hole pierced on top. 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 cannons like this example were capable of firing .50 to .70 caliber projectiles and paved the way for modern-day firearms. Size: 58.25" L x 1.6" W (148 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Scollard collection, Los Angeles County, California, USA, acquired prior to 1990

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#152198
Condition Report: Minor nicks and abrasions to iron barrel and wooden pole, with light encrustations within fuse hole and some recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout. Cannon has not been tested for firing functionality.