Niagara River Salvaged Signal Cannon | Maritime Communication Relic in Excavated Condition | Circa 1700s

$1,200.00
$1,200.00
Free Worldwide Shipping on all orders
Rusted miniature iron cannon from the British Civil War period, mounted on a black display stand, featuring original trunnions and hollow barrel, 17th century.
Video showcasing an 18th-century British signal cannon salvaged from the Niagara River, displayed on a black museum stand.
Side view of an excavated 18th-century British signal cannon displayed on a black museum stand.
Angled view of an 18th-century British signal cannon with heavy encrustation displayed on a black museum stand.
Angled overhead view of an 18th-century British signal cannon with heavy rust encrustation on a black museum display stand.
Rusted miniature iron cannon from the British Civil War period, mounted on a black display stand, featuring original trunnions and hollow barrel, 17th century.
  • Rusted miniature iron cannon from the British Civil War period, mounted on a black display stand, featuring original trunnions and hollow barrel, 17th century.
  • Video showcasing an 18th-century British signal cannon salvaged from the Niagara River, displayed on a black museum stand.
  • Side view of an excavated 18th-century British signal cannon displayed on a black museum stand.
  • Angled view of an 18th-century British signal cannon with heavy encrustation displayed on a black museum stand.
  • Angled overhead view of an 18th-century British signal cannon with heavy rust encrustation on a black museum display stand.
  • Rusted miniature iron cannon from the British Civil War period, mounted on a black display stand, featuring original trunnions and hollow barrel, 17th century.
Rusted miniature iron cannon from the British Civil War period, mounted on a black display stand, featuring original trunnions and hollow barrel, 17th century.
Video showcasing an 18th-century British signal cannon salvaged from the Niagara River, displayed on a black museum stand.
Side view of an excavated 18th-century British signal cannon displayed on a black museum stand.
Angled view of an 18th-century British signal cannon with heavy encrustation displayed on a black museum stand.
Angled overhead view of an 18th-century British signal cannon with heavy rust encrustation on a black museum display stand.
Rusted miniature iron cannon from the British Civil War period, mounted on a black display stand, featuring original trunnions and hollow barrel, 17th century.

Niagara River Salvaged Signal Cannon | Maritime Communication Relic in Excavated Condition | Circa 1700s

Description
More Less

Historical Context & Origin

Region: North America (Niagara River)
Material: Cast iron or brass (excavated condition)
Period: 18th Century

Description
This historically significant maritime artifact is an 18th-century signal cannon, salvaged from the Niagara River and preserved in excavated condition. Standing 8.3 inches tall, the piece embodies the essential role of small signal cannons in naval and port operations during the 18th century. Unlike standard ordnance, signal cannons were compact, durable, and designed to withstand repeated firings for communication, inspection, and ceremonial purposes.

Features

- Compact form, 8.3 inches in height

- Cast in iron or brass, built for frequent use

- Excavated condition with authentic patina from centuries of submersion

- Provenance: salvaged from the Niagara River

Cultural Significance
Signal cannons were vital tools for maritime communication, announcing a ship’s arrival to harbor authorities, signaling clearance for cargo and crew, and playing a role in disease control during outbreaks by enforcing inspection protocols. They were also used ceremonially to salute, signal in military contexts, and reinforce maritime tradition. Fired using poles tipped with slow-burning wicks rather than fuses, these cannons balanced safety with reliability. This artifact offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of naval technology, commerce, and public health in the 18th century, while also connecting to the broader maritime history of the Great Lakes.

Condition
Excavated condition with natural surface encrustation and wear consistent with long-term submersion. Retains strong form and historical integrity.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 8.3 in

Age
18th Century

Learn More

Watch a Video for More Information About Signal Cannons 

Explore Our Curated Collection of Ancient Combat Weapons

View a  Collection of 18th Century Signal Cannons

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: North America (Niagara River)
Material: Cast iron or brass (excavated condition)
Period: 18th Century

Description
This historically significant maritime artifact is an 18th-century signal cannon, salvaged from the Niagara River and preserved in excavated condition. Standing 8.3 inches tall, the piece embodies the essential role of small signal cannons in naval and port operations during the 18th century. Unlike standard ordnance, signal cannons were compact, durable, and designed to withstand repeated firings for communication, inspection, and ceremonial purposes.

Features

- Compact form, 8.3 inches in height

- Cast in iron or brass, built for frequent use

- Excavated condition with authentic patina from centuries of submersion

- Provenance: salvaged from the Niagara River

Cultural Significance
Signal cannons were vital tools for maritime communication, announcing a ship’s arrival to harbor authorities, signaling clearance for cargo and crew, and playing a role in disease control during outbreaks by enforcing inspection protocols. They were also used ceremonially to salute, signal in military contexts, and reinforce maritime tradition. Fired using poles tipped with slow-burning wicks rather than fuses, these cannons balanced safety with reliability. This artifact offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of naval technology, commerce, and public health in the 18th century, while also connecting to the broader maritime history of the Great Lakes.

Condition
Excavated condition with natural surface encrustation and wear consistent with long-term submersion. Retains strong form and historical integrity.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 8.3 in

Age
18th Century

Learn More

Watch a Video for More Information About Signal Cannons 

Explore Our Curated Collection of Ancient Combat Weapons

View a  Collection of 18th Century Signal Cannons

You May Also Like