Aeropiccola French Naval Cannon 18th Century - info?

[TK1]

Hi all,

 

I recently picked up this vintage Aeropiccola kit, of a French Naval Cannon, 18th Century.  I've done a few searches, but can't find much about it. So before I spend $250 plus postage on Boudriot's French Naval Artillery book (over 5x the kit cost!), I'd like to know if anyone could help with info - scale, prototype, rigging, etc.

 

The barrel is approximately 24.5 - 25cm / 9.5 - 10" long, so I'm assuming it's quite a large scale - but nothing in the plans or box indicate the scale, or more information about the type of gun it was based on. The carriage looks pretty typical of British (and I guess French) designs of the time.  Apart from the brass barrel, all metalwork is steel, and the wood seems reasonable condition.  I'll blacken the brass once cleaned up.

 

Not sure if the French painted their carriages red like the British? Or just varnished? I can't seem to even find much on French cannons of the period online.

Also interested if the decoration was commonplace, or does it represent one from perhaps a royal ship, or other decorative version.

 

Given the size, I'd like to do it justice and not just follow the instructions, plus ideally add a base with basic gun tackle for display.

 

Any help appreciated!

Thanks,
Darren

Edited June 25 by TK1