17th C. Chinese Ming Dynasty Iron Hand Cannon

East Asia, China, Late Ming to early Qing Dynasty, ca. 17th century CE. A hefty cast-iron hand cannon with a tapered socketing shaft for mounting on a pole. Four thick bands reinforce the cylindrical structure of the cannon barrel. The lowest bearing area just above the socket is drilled with a fuse opening, and at the other end is a slightly flared muzzle with a wide mouth capable of firing large-caliber rounds. The Chinese hand cannon - or "handgonne" - was a shoulder-mounted weapon that was both cumbersome, heavy, 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: 25.125" L x 2.25" W (63.8 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection acquired around 1980

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#168186
Condition Report: Abrasions commensurate with age and use and surface pitting. Slight bending and indentations to the rim around muzzle, likely from firing projectiles. Mineral encrustations and projectile residue within muzzle.