BRUNEI: brass "cannon" money (119.54g), ND (18th-19th century), SS-60v, Opitz-pg. 100, 100mm, Merian type, VF, R. Used in several locations such as Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak and other parts of southeast Asia. These cannons were made of various metals including bronze, brass, copper, iron and other metals. Valued by weight at $25-30 a Picul, they were used for a multitude of purposes such as "Bride Price" or wedding and engagement ceremonies, trading purposes, barter of goods, payment of fines and in the purchase of slaves (a slave being valued in Piculs of brass guns). During World War II many were melted down, which accounts for their rarity today. This example was bought in Singapore from Mr. Gan Wee Teck, the owner of Sea Eagle Coins & Antiquities in the 1980s, who took pride in selling authentic pieces.
Estimate: USD 200 - 300