Bronze Mortar Model Marked "1530"

[cannonmn]

Michael, thanks. I interpret your reply to mean that you think this piece was actually made in 1530, so if you have any doubt, please let me know.

I liked the casting and turning on it, and like you, the "1530" looked "period." However what bothered me was the rather thin and not-very-dark patina on the bronze. The piece does not look like it has been polished or at least not polished much, because the fine lines from turning and scribe marks on the muzzle are still sharply-defined.

Therefore, I was a bit surprised that there is still any bronze on the piece that is somewhat shiny or with little patina.

1. Have you seen other examples of 16th C. bronze with such a thin/light patina?

2. I predict my friend will want to know if you considered the possibility that this could have been cast somewhere other than in Germany or Austria. For example Baude and Owen were casting very fine pieces in England at about that time.