A 19th century iron gamekeepers/poachers alarm gun, mounted and presented as a memento of service. It bears a brass plaque engraved "Presented to Head Gamekeeper Jack Staunton, 1st February 1888, Arundel Park, Sussex". The canon has the word "Depose" written in front of it.
This Victorian Gamekeeper's alarm cannon was used to warn Gamekeepers of the presence of Poachers on Estates or outbuildings. It is a remotely operated cannon used to deter poachers. A tripwire would be attached to the sprung lever holding the trigger. The calibre is around 20mm and it would have fired shot giving any potential poacher a surprise!
The cannon is mounted on a wooden platform measuring 28.5cm across x 17cm. The overall cannon length is just over 21cm/8 inches.
*Condition*
This would make an ideal desk ornament. Deactivated with a working action it can be cocked and dry fired. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
