The First Casting of a Mortar - The Cannons Hidden in Takeo

         Eighteen large cannons, some rifles, and some swords were discovered buried on the former site of the Takeo Nabeshima family’s residence (currently Takeo City Culture Hall) in 1935. It is suspected that these armaments were hidden from the government following the War of Saga (1874).
         These armaments were re-buried after the end of World War Ⅱ. In 1961, only three cannons were dug up; a Mortar, a reagent Mortar for testing gunpowder and a BONBEN field cannon. In 1986, an additional Napoleon style field cannon with four barrels was discovered.

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