RARE AND IMPORTANT PAIR OF 17TH CENTURY CENTURY FIRING BRONZE CANNON MODELS ON CARRIAGES.

For an identical example, see page 62 of "SOLDATS DU ROI Les Armees De'Lancien Regime XVIIe et XVIIIe siecles (1610 - 1789)" by Colonel Marcel Dugue Mac Carthy. These identical French cannons measure 28 - 1/4" overall with bronze tubes of 17 - 1/2". Both tubes are tapered and chased with detailed relief acanthus, floral, and foliate designs. Both have twin dolphin-form handles mounted on tops of tubes. Towards the breeches, there are indistinct crests and large relief "IV" cartouches. Cascabels and breeches chased with relief designs. Both feature elaborate original wooden carriages with original green paint and iron mountings. CONDITION: Tubes retain a very dark unpolished patina. Carriages very good with scattered areas of flaking to original paint. Some of the mounts on left wheel of one cannon have been replaced. Both are complete with no missing pieces on carriages. A very attractive, large, and early pair of functional bronze cannon. PROVENANCE: Philip Mead Collection.