A Remarkably RARE (PAIR) of American Revolutionary War Period Massive French Naval Bronze/Brass Flintlock Swivel Cannons (ESPINGOLE)

A Remarkably RARE (PAIR) of American Revolutionary War Period Massive French Naval bronze/brass flintlock swivel cannons (ESPINGOLE), circa. 1770's. 22.25", .1.25" (4 straight cylindrical bore) octagon to round bronze/brass cannon barrels. Locks marked; "M Rle Tulle" and the other with remnants of "Charleville" (French Arsenals) and the lock plates measure 7.75". Heavy brass furniture; 'G' may be for 'Gillet'(inspector's mark).

Both guns are in their original flintlock configuration.

Example #1 Stock has an age stress crack underneath the rear of lock plate, otherwise, solid/normal scratches and dings from years of service. This weapon has had at least three other post and yokes judging from the marks they left behind on the stock. The front ram rod entry pipe is missing. Post and yoke is a replacement. The hammer is an English period replacement. A very nice flintlock swivel cannon in untouched condition. 39" overall length. In good mechanical working order.

Example #2 The barrel exhibits lots of surface impact marks from knocking against something back in the day.  Stock is solid with visible wood worm holes and areas of wood worm loses (especially just above the rear lock plate screw and at the muzzle), scratches and dings from years of service.  Retains the original post and yoke (the bolt is a replacement).  The brass tip wood ram rod is a replacement.  39.5" overall length.  I good mechanical working order.

Ref: See; BOARDERS AWAY II Firearms of the Age of Fighting Sail. by, William Gilkerson. c. 1993, pp.98-119, (102)

Note: To my knowledge, this is the only (PAIR) of French Naval Flintlock Swivel Cannons (Espingoles) we have seen in or outside a Museum...  Most certainly the only pair for sale in the world...  There is (1) example known in the Musee de la Marine at Toulon.

The wood display block has recently been made for these guns.

Special thanks to; Philippe Gallet in France for up-dated information.

TTI-550

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