16th–17th Century Bronze “Thunder Mug” Signal Cannon – Peru – Plugged Fuse Hole
Spanish Colonial Peru · circa 1500s–1700s
- Date
- Approximately 1500s–1700s
- Material
- Bronze / copper alloy
- Find Location
- Peru
- Type
- Thunder Mug / Signal Cannon
- Notable Feature
- Plugged/sealed fuse or vent hole
- Condition
- Heavy historic patina, oxidation, surface wear and casting irregularities consistent with age
- Availability
- One-of-a-kind — the exact artifact pictured
$800
- Authenticity Guaranteed
- Documented Provenance
- Collector Selected
Lot BFA-020
A substantial 16th–17th century bronze “thunder mug” or signal cannon, found in Peru and displaying centuries of surface wear and patination.
One of the most interesting features of this example is its original fuse/vent area, which appears to have been intentionally plugged or sealed at some point in its history. The plugged opening remains clearly visible on the body and gives this particular piece a distinctive character.
Thunder mugs were compact, extremely heavy bronze devices designed to create a tremendous report from a gunpowder charge. They were historically associated with signaling, ceremonies, celebrations, and other occasions where a loud explosive report was desired.
The piece retains a wonderfully aged surface with dark brown, black, and subtle green oxidation, along with irregularities and wear accumulated over centuries.
A substantial and highly displayable early colonial-era artifact with an unusual surviving modification.
Important Notice
Sold strictly as a historical collectible and display artifact. It is not represented as functional, has not been tested for firing, and should never be loaded or fired under any circumstances.
- 01
Found in Peru; Spanish colonial period, approximately 1500s–1700s.
- 02
Acquired by Black Flag Antiquities and offered exactly as found — uncleaned and unrestored.
- 01
Guaranteed to be a genuine period bronze thunder mug / signal cannon of the era stated.
- 02
Sold as a historical collectible and display artifact only — not functional, never to be loaded or fired.
- 03
The exact artifact pictured is the item the buyer will receive.
