{"product_id":"original-18th-century-spanish-colonial-period-bronze-thunder-mug-functional","title":"Original 18th Century Spanish Colonial Period Bronze Thunder Mug Signal Cannon","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting\u003cstrong\u003e cast solid bronze “Thunder Mug” or signal cannon\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall bronze and iron signal cannons of this general form were historically used aboard ships and on shore for \u003cstrong\u003esignaling, ceremonial salutes, warnings, and powder testing.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eThunder Mugs\u003c\/strong\u003e, signal cannons, or salute cannons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mug measures roughly \u003cstrong\u003e5 ¼” \u003c\/strong\u003etall with a \u003cstrong\u003e4 ⅜ x 4 ¾” base\u003c\/strong\u003e, one side being a bit longer due to the touch hole for the charge. The “bore” has a diameter of roughly \u003cstrong\u003e1 ⅛”\u003c\/strong\u003e, and is approximately \u003cstrong\u003e4 ½\"\u003c\/strong\u003e 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe thunder mug has a heavy patina with spots of verdigris in the crevices of the casting. It is quite hefty, weighing roughly \u003cstrong\u003e9.1 pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the\u003cstrong\u003e 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\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: 18th Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: 1 1\/8\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Powder\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBarrel Length: 5 ¼ inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Touchhole\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE: \u003c\/strong\u003eInternational 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46088588099653,"sku":"ONAC26B039","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/BD442789-E816-49D2-A7F8-F8DCB8FFCE3D.jpg?v=1792609459","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-18th-century-spanish-colonial-period-bronze-thunder-mug-functional","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}