Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting cast solid bronze “Thunder Mug” or signal cannon, which we believe to be a Spanish colonial period item. We unfortunately have no supporting provenance to confirm that attribution, and it is completely unmarked. It is extremely similar to compact Spanish and other European designs used during the Age of Sail. We have compared it with other known examples excavated in former Spanish colonies, and it bears a strong resemblance.

Small bronze and iron signal cannons of this general form were historically used aboard ships and on shore for signaling, ceremonial salutes, warnings, and powder testing. Their compact, heavy construction allowed them to produce a substantial report without serving as conventional projectile-firing artillery. Similar forms are often referred to by collectors as Thunder Mugs, signal cannons, or salute cannons.

The mug measures roughly 5 ¼” tall with a 4 ⅜ x 4 ¾” base, one side being a bit longer due to the touch hole for the charge. The “bore” has a diameter of roughly 1 ⅛”, and is approximately 4 ½" in length. The bore tapers somewhat towards the base, and the touch hole is clear. Measurements confirm that there is about 3/4" of material under the bore at the end, which is consistent with period examples. What is more exciting is that we actually tested this to see if it would still fire, and it does!

The thunder mug has a heavy patina with spots of verdigris in the crevices of the casting. It is quite hefty, weighing roughly 9.1 pounds, so it is made from solid bronze, not hollow like many replicas. Close examination shows that it is definitely a cast bronze item, and not some later cheaply made replica with a machined out bore. It is well patinated, and shows great age and use.

The combination of the heavy bronze construction, compact traditional Thunder Mug form, 1 ⅛-inch bore, touch hole, substantial 9.1-pound weight, aged patina, and Spanish colonial style makes this an unusual 18th-century interpretation of an older maritime signal-cannon design. Its exact place and circumstances of manufacture remain unconfirmed, but the piece strongly reflects the form and purpose of Spanish and European salute and signaling cannons.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 18th Century
Caliber: 1 1/8"
Ammunition Type: Powder
Barrel Length: 5 ¼ inches
Action: Touchhole
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.