Naval Cannon Fireing Mechanism late Eighteenth Century

Catalogue number #1611709464

Chaarleville Flintlock Naval Cannon Firing Mechanism	Charleville Flintlock Naval Cannon Firing Mechanism	Charleville Flintlock Naval Cannon Firing Mechanism

Description:

This is one of more interesting 'nautical antiques'. It is a French flintlock mechanism made by Charleville to fire naval cannons. The tapered spike on the side is opened to reveal a trough this is filled with gunpowder and the mechanism is half cocked to allow the striking plate to close which 'locks' the powder trough shut. The spike is then inserted into the touch hole of the cannon. When readied for action the lock with the flint is pulled back to full cock and the lanyard is pulled to fire the mechanism making the flint strike the striking plate to produce a spark (which it does very well) igniting the gunpowder and thereby firing the cannon - so much better than a slow match! The mechanism can be mounted on a wooden shaft on the steel spike to the rear and clamped. Reputedly captured from a French prize at the Battle of the Nile (1797) by an ancester of the previous owner this is very solidly made piece of kit in heavy brass and steel. Overall length 9" (23 cm)First example I have ever seen. Price includes delivery.

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