Bronze Breech Loading Cannon Pics

[ScubaFinder]

Here is a little bronze breech loader we (Anchor Research & Salvage SRL) found last year in the Dominican Republic. Not only did we find the cannon with the initials N B on it, but we found the matching breech block with the same initials, and subsequently we found the wedge (awaiting division), and we think maybe we even found the monkey tail (bar that sticks out the back where the cascabel would normally be) on an earlier mission to the same area.

Anyways, we recently got it in after division and have removed the encrustation in preparation for conservation. Enjoy the pics, and any info anyone can share is always appreciated.

Jason

 

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[thetigers2]

Jason,Great pics.Mike

 

[signumops]

Carumba!

 

[capt dom]

slick find...

 

[Mackaydon]

What are the specifications?
Interesting muzzle design.
Congrats on finding the 'accessories'; IMO, they're the rarest saves.
Don......

 

[pwillie]

Great find!

 

[ScubaFinder]

Hey Don,

I haven't done a full cannon data sheet on it yet, but the basics, it's 45" long without the monkey tail and the bore is 3". I will try to get a full cannon data sheet done this week and post.

Jason

 

[Mackaydon]

Jason,
Here's a 2 3/4 inch bore somewhat similar one I sold last year. Rare Early 18th-Century Breechloading Deck Cannon of the French Compagnie d'Occident c. 1717.... (To
Looking forward to seeing yours conserved and cleaned.
Don........

 

[trsrseeker]

Beautiful!

 

[Leebo in SC]

Man, great find Jason. How you been my friend. Been a few years since I got to the Treasure Coast.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Awesome recovery! Thats the first breach loader I've seen like that. I hope you have the tail make it complete.

 

[bronzecannons]

That one is awesome! Thanks for sharing those great pics!

How about the locking pin that secures the breech (goes in the back of breech)... did you find that also?
TW

 

[ScubaFinder]

We found a wedge that my archaeologists tell me went behind the breech to secure the block in place, and also a bronze monkey-tail that goes in the hole at the back of the barrel. I haven't seen any pins that go with this, but I don't claim to know everything either. :-)

I'll know more once the next shipment of artifacts gets here...its like Christmas morning when the container comes in. I'll definitely update this thread when the accessories get here.

 

[Bobadilla]

Jason, my dear friend!

Let's try to find out what these abbreviations "N.B." means.... Could you imagine to decode it?? It would mean to most probably have the ship with history, dates and names..... Real story together with real artifacts. Man, I am glad and proud to work with Bobby and company team members like you.....!

Best regards,
Lobo

 

[Ramitt]

how cool is that. nice find

 

[Southern_Digger]

Jason, my dear friend!

Let's try to find out what these abbreviations "N.B." means.... Could you imagine to decode it?? It would mean to most probably have the ship with history, dates and names..... Real story together with real artifacts. Man, I am glad and proud to work with Bobby and company team members like you.....!


Best regards,
Lobo

I have a few wild guesses but will keep them to myself because my knowledge of European history ends about 12th grade. Moreover, I am puzzled on the nationality. The cross seems spanish, though similar have been found on Medeval English Coins. The other example submitted suggests French. Yet, the NB reminds me of i.d. marks found on English musket parts here in Florida. Can someone please clarify the origin/date because I am completely puzzled.

BTW-- Amazing historic find and I so appreciate its discovery being shared on this BB.

 

[Jason in Enid]

No, it's not French. The cross above the initials would have been a fleur-d-lis if it was. The same style of cross was used by both the English and the Spanish. The shield and initials seem strange, crude for something as valuable as a bronze cannon.

 

[Mackaydon]

Jason,
Are there any numbers on top of the rear end of the breech--or any letters/numbers at the end of the trunnions?
Don....

 

[Mackaydon]

Jason,
Take a look at this site:An early breech loading bronze cannon, 9cm bore [CAN101] - £9,750.00 : Henry Krank, Everything for shooters and collectors
Enlarge the middle small inset picture and you'll see a similar, but not identical, crest--with the cross and at least the letter "N" easily visible. Maybe contacting this seller for more information about his gun (and informing him of yours) will lead you to ID-ing yours.
Don....

 

[ScubaFinder]

Don, that cannon is like a sister to the one I have. All the lines and markings are in the same spots, it even has the same strange muzzle shape. I cannot find numbers or markings on this cannon anywhere, nothing near the breech, nothing on the trunions. The only markings are the N.B. under the cross. Our dive team estimates this wreck to be early to mid 16th century based on anchor styles and other finds in the immediate area.

On the last cannon that Don posted, whats up with this cross? I've never seen that version on anything. I have to assume this cannon was made in the same shop, probably cast from the same mold with the shield being an identical match. Only the inscriptions are different.

Jason