Charles Hanson with the hand cannon (Image: Hansons)
A 600-year-old medieval hand cannon, which was bought for a few pounds at a Hertfordshire flea market, has sold for thousands at auction.
The cannon was originally used in a garden rockery, and was then assessed by Hanson Ross Auction Firm in Woburn, which has a sister salesoom in Royston.
Owner Charles Hanson said: "When we came to assess it properly we were amazed. It’s a heavy, triple-ring cast cannon.
"This type of weapon was seen in late medieval Europe around 1400-1450.
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"Perhaps it was used by a knight in shining armour. In more than 20 years in the antiques business I have never seen one like it."
After an intense bidding battle, the cannon sold for £2,600 to an international buyer.
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