Topic
Topic ID 7256
01/07/2013 by Marilyn
Mystery object in Bengeo
These are my photos of what appears to be a cannon barrel found locally. For health and safety reasons it cannot yet be disturbed so we can't see if there are any markings on it yet.
Can anyone help identify what it might be or how old it might be?
http://www.ourhertfordandware.org.uk/page_id__344_img__1161.aspx
Replies
Reply ID 94575
10/07/2013 by Darcy Sarto
As the bore appears to square or at least not round in section it appears to me more likely to be an upturned cast iron bollard or post possibly intended to be mounted on a softer steel/metal or even wooden post? Victorian?
Reply ID 94578
10/07/2013 by Marilyn
quote:
Originally posted by Darcy Sarto
As the bore appears to square or at least not round in section it appears to me more likely to be an upturned cast iron bollard or post possibly intended to be mounted on a softer steel/metal or even wooden post? Victorian?
I think that the conclusion I am coming to,I suspect it may have been made specially to look like a cannon but was in fact to be a an etrance or fence post. As and when it comes out it will be easier to see. It could well be contemporary with the building c 1869 of the house as Mr Gripper who built it was an officer so possibly wanted a military look. .
Reply ID 94591
10/07/2013 by Marilyn
quote:
Originally posted by mdja
Historically, old cannon were frequently repurposed as bollards, and hence many purpose-built bollards were made to look like cannon... There's a fairly comprehensive analysis here ~ http://people.ds.cam.ac.uk/mhe1000/bollards/cannonbollards.htm
Great thanks that's sounds like what I need to look at, off to look now............
I have e mailed them to photos so will let you know if I get a reply. Fascinating website ..............
Reply ID 94637
12/07/2013 by Marilyn
Had a great deal of help from the man on that website and it would seem it is most likely made as a post in the form of a cannon. Although cannon were used this one has some things that make him think it was custom made as a fence or gate post. Real cannon usually had a ball fixed in the top to create a rounded effect amongst other things. This could still be a rarish survivor as most things like this were taken during WW2 to make munitions etc.
5 replies