Bidspirit auction | Antique Late 17th early 18th

Antique Late 17th early 18th Century VOC Dutch Bronze Lantaka Canon - A fine Antique Late 17th early 18th Century VOC Dutch Bronze Lantaka Canon swivel cannon. The cast bronze barrel of characteristic multi-stage form, incorporating a faceted/octagonal central section and extensively decorated with raised foliate, scrolling and geometric ornament. The breech and muzzle sections are embellished with additional petal and floral motifs. Fitted with its bronze swivel yoke terminating in a substantial downward-projecting pivot, allowing the cannon to be mounted in a socket on the rail or gunwale of a vessel and trained both horizontally and vertically. The rear terminates in the characteristic hollow cascabel socket intended to receive a wooden aiming tiller. Notably retaining a long wooden tiller, positioned alongside the barrel and secured with multiple bands of rattan binding. The survival of this organic component adds considerably to the visual interest of the piece, as wooden fittings are frequently absent from surviving lantaka. The barrel exhibits an attractive dark aged patina with traces of lighter bronze showing through the raised decoration and scattered areas of verdigris consistent with age. The wooden tiller displays expected age-related wear and losses. Lantaka were portable bronze swivel guns widely employed throughout maritime Southeast Asia, particularly in the Indonesian and Malay archipelagos, Brunei and the Philippines. Mounted aboard trading and fighting vessels as well as in coastal defenses, they served both defensive and offensive purposes and were often elaborately decorated. Surviving examples demonstrate considerable regional variation in casting and ornamentation. Museum examples retain the characteristic swivel mounting and hollow breech socket represented on the present piece. Total length: 40 1/2”, Diameter: 4”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.