Naval falcon - Lot 59

Lot n° 59
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Estimation :
7000 - 9000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 10 550EUR
Naval falcon - Lot 59
Naval falcon Italy (Tuscany?), dated 1554 L. 130 cm - W. 17 cm Naval falconet Italy (Tuscany?), dated 1554 L. 51 3/16 in - l. 6 3/4 in 1253 CH Bronze breech-loading naval falconet bearing the arms of Como I de' Medici, Duke of the Republic of Florence (1519-1574). Octagonal cross-section, with trunnions and molding towards the muzzle. On top, in relief, an almond-shaped shield with scalloped border bearing the Medici coat of arms, crowned by a circle. Below, the engraved inscription C M D F II, for "Cosme II de Médicis duc de Florence" (before the creation of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1569, Cosme was considered the second of the name after Cosme the Elder). First reinforcement open for powder box insertion, bearing on the front edge the date 1554, and on the breech edge "? 164 N°292" (weight of the piece in Florentine pounds (approx. 55.7 kg) and arsenal inventory number). The powder box compartment has a large rectangle drilled in the bottom towards the front to wedge the box, and the same on both sides for access to the box light for firing. The breech is also drilled. Bronze sickles like these, which were used on the warships of the great European powers, have also been found on Portuguese shipwrecks from the same period, such as the one from the reign of Sebastian of Portugal (r. 1557-1578) from the wreck of the Santiago, which sank in the Mozambique Channel in 1585, now preserved in the Lisbon Maritime Museum. This piece bears witness to the particular efforts made by Duke Cosimo de' Medici to develop the Florentine navy. Good condition, lumpy surface due to prolonged immersion in salt water.
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