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This exceptional 37-inch Lantaka swivel cannon is a magnificent testament to the sophisticated maritime defense and artistic metallurgy of 18th-century Maritime Southeast Asia. Cast from a rich brass alloy by master founders in the Malay Archipelago, this impressive piece measures an authoritative 37 inches in length by 14 inches in depth, representing a highly substantial vessel-born weapon rather than a mere decorative model.
The barrel exhibits masterful, hand-chased artistry, featuring traditional Islamic and Malay foliate scrollwork (awan larat) seamlessly integrated with distinct geometric bands along its tapered, multi-stage architecture. The muzzle terminates in a beautifully sculpted, flared Lotus blossom (Mulut Meriam) configuration, showcasing the classic stylistic hallmarks of premium regional craftsmanship. Notably, the breech retains its authentic, hollow cylindrical cascabel socket—historically engineered to house a wooden tiller handle for rapid tracking and aiming during close-quarters defensive actions.
Crucially, this specimen demonstrates clear evidence of historical battlefield or defensive service. The top of the breech features a heavily worn, misshapen touchhole (vent) flanked by protective priming ridges. The irregular, eroded nature of the vent confirms extensive firing exposure, where hot, corrosive black powder gases gradually expanded the orifice over decades of active use. The top of the barrel is further enriched by ornate, cast lifting loops traditionally modeled after stylized marine creatures.
Presenting a fully open, functional smoothbore cavity, the cannon tube rests securely upon a beautifully matched, later-added stepped wooden garrison carriage with block wheels, adapting this formidable piece of naval history into a commanding, museum-grade gallery display for discerning collectors of maritime militaria and fine antiquities.
Size: 37” L x 15” D x 17” H
C. 1760, Malaysia
This exceptional 37-inch Lantaka swivel cannon is a magnificent testament to the sophisticated maritime defense and artistic metallurgy of 18th-century Maritime Southeast Asia. Cast from a rich brass alloy by master founders in the Malay Archipelago, this impressive piece measures an authoritative 37 inches in length by 14 inches in depth, representing a highly substantial vessel-born weapon rather than a mere decorative model.
The barrel exhibits masterful, hand-chased artistry, featuring traditional Islamic and Malay foliate scrollwork (awan larat) seamlessly integrated with distinct geometric bands along its tapered, multi-stage architecture. The muzzle terminates in a beautifully sculpted, flared Lotus blossom (Mulut Meriam) configuration, showcasing the classic stylistic hallmarks of premium regional craftsmanship. Notably, the breech retains its authentic, hollow cylindrical cascabel socket—historically engineered to house a wooden tiller handle for rapid tracking and aiming during close-quarters defensive actions.
Crucially, this specimen demonstrates clear evidence of historical battlefield or defensive service. The top of the breech features a heavily worn, misshapen touchhole (vent) flanked by protective priming ridges. The irregular, eroded nature of the vent confirms extensive firing exposure, where hot, corrosive black powder gases gradually expanded the orifice over decades of active use. The top of the barrel is further enriched by ornate, cast lifting loops traditionally modeled after stylized marine creatures.
Presenting a fully open, functional smoothbore cavity, the cannon tube rests securely upon a beautifully matched, later-added stepped wooden garrison carriage with block wheels, adapting this formidable piece of naval history into a commanding, museum-grade gallery display for discerning collectors of maritime militaria and fine antiquities.
Size: 37” L x 15” D x 17” H
C. 1760, Malaysia
