Bombard mortar signal cannon - Bronze - Late 16th century

British - 15th - 16th century - Signal / celebration / dust test - AKA "Thunder Mug" Bronze cup shaped hand cannon. These devices were used on ships for various tasks, such as signaling approach to the coast and other ships, celebrating and testing gunpowder to make sure it didn't get wet. This specimen has a beautiful patina and is probably of British origin engraved with the initials SLDP. These guns were used from the 15th to the 16th century. Height 14. 5 cm Base 8. 5 cm Hole diameter 3 cm Weight about 4 Kg