A pair of French bronze saluting cannon, dated 1708

probably made for the then Swiss city of Badenweiler, Herrschaft, with tapering multi-stage barrels, with raised astragal mouldings, chiselled with the names 'Le Lion’ and 'La Lione' on a scroll on the respective chases, finely chiselled with the city's coat-of-arms, each on a later iron-clad wooden field carriage with iron-shod spoked cambered wheels

Mallett Antiques, London.

The bronze cannon are in good condition with a nice waxed surface and with the cast coat of arms without much wear, one with small dents. The later iron-clad wooden field carriages are repainted and have small losses to red paint.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The names of the cannon - ‘La Lione’ and ‘Le Lion’ - are an expression of the artillerist’s humour and are indicative of the effect that they were intended to have upon an enemy, as is common on French and other cannon of this period.