This is a proof firing of the original muzzle loading 12 pounder Dutch signal cannon which had been restored. This long, slim style of gun was cast at several foundries in Sweden between 1620 and 1750. The primary users were the Swedish, Dutch and Danish navies, merchant fleets and shore defenses, but many found their way into the hands of other users. Between 53 and 56 of these guns were mounted on strategic heights to form a signal chain that extended from Salt River to Citrusdal in the north and Swellendam in the east. The purpose of this chain was to call the burghers to arms in defense of the colony and it fell into disuse in January 1806.
