CaptC

You can always make me an offer! I honestly have no idea of it's value hence Holts on the 26th January

Further news - the fine black powder was gunpowder. It ignited and burnt slowly as per black powder.

Ex EOD - you should know better. I lost my hearing due to an explosion so very wary with anything that might go bang!

Just about to look for something as you suggest. Thank you Success! Barrel cleared! Now that would be silly! Having had some experience with explosives in the past!

Update on my returning to the cannon. Very gently pushed a pointed brass rod down the barrel (it had been soaking in WD40) and fine black powder started to come out. I thought if it’s black powder it theoretically should be safe to try lighting it with a match but nothing happened (too much WD 40?) Further probing got the rod almost to the priming vent. Boiling water poured down the barrel and a gentle tap brought out more black goo. I’m now letting it soak because the water started to dribble through the priming vent. If I’ve not blown myself up there will be a further update. Booked a slot with Holts to confirm.

Most certainly - PM'd you thanks

Two clasp knives neither with makers names. Top knife in photo has WD arrow and 93 on the blade. Typical Naval Service issue. Condition is very good. £25 posted Below is a slimmer version of the above knife (I think it’s a better version) again in good condition. The side plates are rather nice and unmarked. No markings £20 posted Rare Rogers of Sheffield “Ranger” I XL pocket knife. Complete with tooth picks. Blade is clean with no signs of wear. The side plates are a bit worn but still show their markings. £40 posted (these knives can sell for a lot more!) A Wright & Son Ltd Sheffield sheath knife with rigging tool (?) Leather sheath stamped Made in England (some marks but ok) Hardwood scales (handle) in excellent condition. Blade has scratches that should polish out. On the reverse of blade is E. C. I. Jennings who might have owned it at some time? Blade measures a tad over 4” and is 8.5” overall. The spike is 8.25” long. The point has a purpose made flat edge. £40 posted (SOLD) Hunting knife - The blade has a name but I cannot read it. There is a number which might be 4375815. It’s certainly English made. Blade is 4” long and it’s 8” overall. Leather purpose made sheath. Hardwood scales (handle) no marks. Blade lightly scratched but again it will polish out. £20 posted Chinese gem - Stainless steel sheath knife. Blade marked CHINA STAINLESS. It’s a copy of your traditional English sheath knife. Leather rings and alloy furniture. Blade is 6” long and 10”’long overall. If it didn’t have it’s Chinese Stainless you wouldn’t know it wasn’t British £12 posted I hope there is something here to interest PW’s - Many thanks and a Happy New Year to all PLEASE NOTE OVER 18’s ONLY!!!

Yes definitely muzzle loading. It’s too early in the morning but look up the story and link of the 65 ton cannon at Penlee Battery Rame Head. There is also a video of more recent defence cannons being fired.

The proctologist’s tool might need a wash? I’m away for five days so will catch up on Sunday. Many, many thanks to all on PW who contributed. Always good to see the responses to my questions.

Brilliant idea. Always wanted a bore scope - handy to look into my wallet as well!

Most kind. Tests are showing no fluids coming from the touch hole into the barrel but early days.

Thank you very much. No proof marks, obsolete calibre and not a firearm (hopefully)

What an excellent reply - many thanks! My cannon is certainly not "modern" and, as said, it does have some worn markings. I have squirted some Isoprophanol into the touch hole which along with the WD40 might help prove whether the cannon is loaded. I will watch the YouTube video later - noting that the gun shown is a breech loader?

Visualy its at least Victorian - Holts are down this way in January and I will take it along

Wonderful story! Don't think it would need an FAC as obsolete calibre - that is, if the WD40 works through the possible load or else it is an ornament

It woud need to be proof tested first!

Thanks - but I don't think it is "starter gun" - they were a lot more "fancy" in their design. It is currentlt muzzle down with a lot of WD 40 squirted in the touch hole to see if it may perhaps seep through No, any markings ie Proof marks are long gone but as said above, it is wear and tare not rust

Picked this up today on my travels. Very heavy, 7.25” long with a bore similar to a 20 bore. Cast in two pieces? Touch hole is a good 1.5” deep which makes me think it’s a working cannon. I have put a wooden rod down the barrel and it goes in 4.5” - obviously either still loaded (?) or made not to fire. The breech end in front of the touch hole might have some markings. It’s not rusty but it’s seen a few years. Alas no trunnion. Thoughts please!

Well worth a call!

You might be lucky Gordon if Holts will allow you to collect from one of their Valuation Days - Suggest you contact Holts and ask? They have always been spot on with me!

Thanks but the planning has been submitted

Well done and the best of luck!

I'm 100% supportive of your petition - We have one running here against a development that has allegedly, 2000 objections but mysteriously the proposal will still get through. One thinks of brown paper envelopes and certain secret societies - No infrastructure, no consultation and a guaranteed "pass!"

Well said!

Very low calibre reporting? The RSPCA craves such publicity. I'm not condoning the person who stupidly used the wrong gun!