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vantique
8th December 2021, 02:05 AM
Hi all,
Hope everything is fine. I wish to know what this
symbol means, or is it just a sight for aiming. Thank you.

David R
8th December 2021, 02:37 PM
It looks like a lashing point to me.

vantique
9th December 2021, 12:29 PM
Hi David,

Could it be a Surya Majapahit symbol?
Thank you.

Regards.

David
10th December 2021, 09:42 PM
Hi David,

Could it be a Surya Majapahit symbol?
Thank you.

Regards.
I wouldn't think so Vantique. Firstly it doesn't really look like any of the known examples of Surya Majapahit, where the sun symbol has pointy rays and there is lots of detail within. Secondly, while breechloading swivel guns were invented in the 14th century, i don't think anything quite like this was used during Mojopahit Java.
Here is an example of Surya Majapahit found in Javanese temples.

Rick
11th December 2021, 04:17 AM
Is the gun brass or iron?

vantique
11th December 2021, 03:31 PM
Hi, guys.

Thank you for your replies. It is made of bronze, Rick.Thanks.

Regards.

kronckew
12th December 2021, 09:57 AM
It looks like a lashing point to me.
As it is centred on the trunnions, and looks worn, I agree that it appears that it was for lashing or could also be used for a front sight.

Rick
12th December 2021, 05:46 PM
The inverted V at the back of the breech could be used as the rear sight.

vantique
14th December 2021, 01:25 AM
Hi Guys,

Thank you for all your replies. I thought it
was a relic from the Majapahit Empire😕.

Vince

David
18th December 2021, 04:02 PM
I wouldn't think so Vantique. Firstly it doesn't really look like any of the known examples of Surya Majapahit, where the sun symbol has pointy rays and there is lots of detail within. Secondly, while breechloading swivel guns were invented in the 14th century, i don't think anything quite like this was used during Mojopahit Java.
Here is an example of Surya Majapahit found in Javanese temples.
Well, i'm going to have to correct myself, as it does seem that breech loading cannons like this were indeed used during the Mojopahit period. Apparently these are known as "cetbang".
"Majapahit cetbang cannon from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from ca. 1470-1478. The Surya Majapahit emblem can be seen."
As you can see, there is a Surya Majapahit emblem on this cetbang in much the same place as the symbol on yours. I still don't think yours shows a Surya Majapahit because the form seems wrong, but perhaps it is a symbol relating to Mataram or some other subsequent kingdom.

vantique
20th December 2021, 02:34 PM
Thank you David for giving my cannon a
second look and opinion.

😊Stay well,

Vince