Both cannons in this lot are from the collection of the Heckscher Museum of Art of Huntington, New York, which reports that the cannons were donated by Carl W. Hamilton, an executive in the Philippine Refining Corporation and noted art collector. The cannons were attributed by Hamilton as Spanish in origin, having been transported to the Philippines while the islands were a Spanish territory. No additional information was provided by the Museum regarding when the cannons were moved to the Philippines, or where they were installed. The cannons are nearly identical in configuration and decoration, being of cast brass construction, 28 inches long with a 1 1/4 inch bore, decorated with raised lettering in ribbons on the top, with "EL RAYO" (The Beam) and "De Don Marino Tobias" or "Of Don Marino Tobias" near the muzzle, and a royal cypher of "VAC/III" (which stands for Viva Carlos III, reigned from 1759-1788) just ahead of the touchhole. Don Marino Tobias was Royal Governor- General of Spanish East Indies which included the Philippines (1771-1774). This dates the cannons between 1771 and 1774. Each cannon sits in a wheeled carriage, hardwood construction with brass panel reinforcements, which is 23 inches wide with 18 inch diameter brass shod wheels, for an overall measurement of 52 inches in length, and 23 inches in width. This pair is from the property of the Town of Huntington, New York, from the collection of The Heckscher Museum of Art, sold to benefit the Art Acquisition Fund.

Very fine barrel, showing a well aged antique patina overall. The markings remain crisp. The carriage is fine, with some of the tacks securing the brass plating absent, the left trunnion cover absent and the right incomplete.

Virtually identical to the "A" cannon in this lot, "El Rayo", the chief difference is the first ribbon on top of the cannon, which is marked "EL TIGRE" (the Tiger), but otherwise identical in dimensions, markings, and mounting. Though not confirmed, it is reasonable to presume that these cannons were part of a set, and as such may have been kept together as a pair for over a century.

Very fine barrel, similar to A, carriage good with both trunnion covers absent.