1455

Large bronze cannon, with Spanish coat-of-arms, 9' long, from a 1588 Spanish Armada ship in the Nava

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Non-wreck Artifacts Start Price:25,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Large bronze cannon, with Spanish coat-of-arms, 9' long, from a 1588 Spanish Armada ship in the Nava
SOLD
Sign In To View Winning Bid
This item SOLD at 2012 Apr 12 @ 14:31UTC-4 : AST/EDT
All items are genuine unless noted. Most shipwreck coins and artifacts come with a certificate of authenticity (please check the description for each item). By bidding in this auction you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions posted here.
Large bronze cannon, with Spanish coat-of-arms, 9' long, from a 1588 Spanish Armada ship in the Naval Battle of Gravelines. Approx. 3000lb. The most impressive artifacts from any wreck, at least in terms of size, are its large cannons, especially the bronze cannons, which were generally more ornate than their iron counterparts and are always found in better condition. The one we are offering here is additionally impressive for its origin, in fact the first cannon from the famous 1588 Spanish Armada that we have ever seen on the market, this one recovered by a fisherman well off the coast of Nieuwpoort, Belgium, apparently isolated and not associated with other wreckage and therefore likely jettisoned from a sinking ship. While the surfaces of this cannon are somewhat indistinct (but nicely patinated), which could indicate damage from fire if not corrosion and wear, the Spanish Habsburg crest (just like on the coins) is prominent on the top before the trunnions and is flanked by two square-shaped holes where iron casting-pins used to be, behind which is a raised plaque (its lettering, if there was any, now long gone) in front of the touch-hole. The cascabel and broad (16") breech are ornately decorated in floral design. Above the trunnions, as usual, are two "dolphins" (lifting handles). The 10" reinforced muzzle, with 5-1/4" bore is lightly decorated as well. While we cannot find any comparable sales, similar guns have been found around the world, notably from other Armada wrecks around Scotland and Ireland. Unique opportunity for the advanced cannon collector or Spanish Armada enthusiast. (Pickup only, from an address in Maryland, crane service included.) With photo-certificate.

Video of this lot: http://www.sedwickcoins.com/cannon/video.htm