Cascabel (artillery)

File:Cascabel.svg

An illustration of the breech of a cannon, with components of the cascabel subassembly labeled: A = knob, B = neck, C = filet, D = breech base.

File:Canon mg 6931.jpg

Cascabel on a French naval cannon

A cascabel is a subassembly of a muzzle-loading cannon - a place to attach arresting ropes to deal with the recoil of firing the cannon.

Generally comprising the knob (A) and the neck (B), with particular models also featuring a filet (C). By some definitions, the cascabel additionally includes the base of the breech (D). Cascabels varied in design and appearance, and were a common feature of cannons from the 17th century until the advent of the breech loading cannon in the late 19th century.

Cascabels from guns captured during the Siege of Sevastopol are used to make Victoria Crosses.

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