Malay or Borneo-Brunei Lantaka Ship gun or Cannon

 A charming 19th century solid bronze cannon ‘Lantaka’ from Northern Borneo ‘Brunei’ for use on board a ship. Small size, this fascinating historical cannon retains a beautiful deep brown patina from years of exposed weathering at sea, these cannons were used by Malay and Dyak pirates all around the coast of Northern Borneo/Southern Philippines and were made to be easily moved from various positions on the railings around a ship. The muzzle decorated with a crocodile, beautifully modelled and detailed, presumably a salt-water crocodile as these would have been prevalant and respected in the waters of the South China and Brunei Seas. The cannon is made even more interesting by damage at the breech, where an explosion has ruptured the lower barrel during active use. Casting cannons such as these was a great skill and maintaining an even and constant wall strength and thickness was very hard to achieve leading to accidents such as this. The rest of the gun cast with fine detailing and sights, the rear with a projecting socket to take a rod, the bottom with a moveable swivel. 23 inches approximately. Supplied with a wooden stand if required. southern asia