IMPORTANT CANON FROM THE END OF THE 18th CENTURY - BEGINNING OF THE 19th CENTURY Probably from the capture of Tonkin (1883-1886) In verdigris patinated bronze, tuliped at the mouth, with six reinforcing rings, two trunnions engraved with ideograms and two handles in the shape of fantastic creatures. Breechplate engraved with ideograms and plain "cul de lampe". On a later wooden marine carriage, with solid wheels, black patinated iron fittings and straps, with adjustment wedge. Good condition. H. 78 cm (30 ¾ in.) L. (total): 167 cm (65 ¾ in.) L. (shaft): 150 cm (59 in.) Gauge: approx. 9.5 cm (3 ½ in.) Mouth diameter: 20 cm (8 ¼ in.) History: The ideograms on the two trunnions indicate the weight of the coin as 737 Chinese pounds, or approximately 440 kilos, and the period of manufacture as "Year 4 of the Ming Ming reign". The band indicating the name of the coin, "Splitting the mountain". Provenance : Acquired from the Jean-Claude Dey gallery in the 2000s. An important early 19th century cannon probably from the capture of Tonkin (1883-1886) A copy of the translation of the various annotations will be provided to the buyer. The hypothesis that it was taken during the conquest of Tonkin (1883) is entirely plausible, since the French, according to their testimonies, faced technologically outdated artillery and captured large quantities of weapons and cannons in the Hué forts. This artillery piece is also a wonderful way of bringing back memories of the racing wars waged by the most prestigious privateers. The capture of the Kent, a heavy ship belonging to the British India Company, by Robert Surcouf's brig La Confiance in 1800, near the mouth of the Ganges, is a case in point. This capture, particularly symbolic of the skill and daring of these small, heavily armed ships commanded by impetuous captains, was immortalised by the painter, writer and privateer Ambroise Louis Garneray, who witnessed the scene. This exploit was to give rise to the famous song "Au 31 du mois d'août" ("On the 31st of August").