Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. A finely preserved example of a lantaka (also rentaka) swivel gun meant to be mounted on or within merchant vessels and warships. Swivel guns like this example were created in a variety of sizes depending on the vessel on which it would be mounted and were used as both signaling devices and artillery cannons. The cast-brass cannon barrel has a narrow bore surrounded by a scalloped rim, a tab-shaped sight above the bore, raised triangular and foliate motifs on the front and back, a pair of dragon sights on the midsection, and a bifurcated sight flanking the wick hole. A conical swivel spike bears arms that are attached to the body of the barrel and enable the gun to be easily maneuvered. The name lantaka is derived from the Malay word 'lantak,' meaning "hammering down" or "ramming down" in reference to the muzzle-loading firing method. Size: 30.625" L x 3.375" W x 10" H (77.8 cm x 8.6 cm x 25.4 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000
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#158642
Condition
Minor abrasions to barrel, butt end, sights, and swivel pole, with softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina throughout. Included iron projectile does not fit within barrel opening.