A pair of German bronze salute cannons

A fine pair of bronze saluting cannons of elegant, slender proportions. The barrels are finely cast with prominent dolphin handles, while the cascabels and buttons are ornamented with scrolling acanthus leaves. The touch holes are set within notched recesses. On the forward section of each barrel is a finely cast heraldic coat of arms, possibly associated with the von Grapendorf family of the Hannover region, Germany. The arms appear to incorporate a characteristic three-legged cooking pot or cauldron, surmounted by a helmet and crest with distinctive leaves or feathers. Beneath the coat of arms is a relief-cast cartouche bearing the initials ‘G.G.’ Both cannons are fitted with elongated trunnions. Traces of their original gilding remain visible beneath a rich, dark bronze patina, giving the pair a particularly attractive and well-preserved historic appearance. The quality of the casting, overall shape, refined proportions and elaborate heraldic decoration suggest a date in the late 17th to early 18th century. Provenance: – von Grapendorf family, Hannover region, Germany – Dutch private collection