Identify Please

[Digger]

Some time back I purchased a model cannon on Ebay. The seller advised he had purchased it in Spain about 60 years ago. It had seen better days and I wish to restore it. It was furnished with blocks such as in the photo. My query is about the style of the block. Is it a genuine style or just a hobbyist fantasy? The cannon barrel is 9 inches (23cm) long, on a section of deck and with a set of tools. The block is about 1 inch (25mm) long. Any information would be welcome.

 

[TheGatzby]

I vote for " hobbyist fantasy " .

 

[Roger Pellett]

Yeah, me too.

 

[Pepite 1/60]

That's a type of block used by Phoenican mariners at about 1808 BC to rigg an underwater carronade from the mast top. Or such like.

 

[Norgale]

It looks odd enough to be the real thing. Hard to tell what was used a million years ago. Looks like the hook that held the cannon carriage to the hull. Could be hooked or unhooked fast.

 

[Digger]

That's a type of block used by Phoenican mariners at about 1808 BC to rigg an underwater carronade from the mast top. Or such like.

That is a most interesting idea. Could you perhaps provide a sketch of just how this would work?

 

[TheGatzby]

Here is what Gemini produced.



I really like the two double blocks that do nothing.

 

[MisterCA]

Unfortunately not enough facts to move forward. The Gemini AI image from the Gatsby
is fun as usual.

 

[Digger]

Thanks for a wonderful piece of sealore, however there a couple of points on which I am not clear. Besides the pair of double blocks that do nothing, there is also a pair of single blocks producing the same net effect, but these are not the style of blocks about which I enquired.
Nothing loath, I am assuming that there is general agreement that my blocks are not the real thing. A pity, but the cannon barrel, carriage and tools that make up the remainder of the tableau are quite genuine. I will continue to construct genuine blocks to replace the phony Phoenican examples'

 

[Pepite 1/60]

That is a most interesting idea. Could you perhaps provide a sketch of just how this would work?

Sorry, but I can't. In it's time, it was a top secret weapon system and information about it has never been declassified. But a very similar contraption has seemingly been used by famous pirate Redbeard. Yes, the one getting regularly sunk by Asterix the Gaul.