The 1.55m-long cannon weighing 5.5kg was accidentally discovered at a dike construction site along Hong (Red) River in Yen Binh Province, at a depth of 2.5m.— Photo Viet Y

YEN BAI (VNS)  — The provincial museum of northern Yen Bai province has received a cannon that dates back to 1839.

The 1.55m-long cannon weighing 5.5kg was accidentally discovered at a dike construction site along Hong (Red) River in Yen Binh Province, at a depth of 2.5m.

The cannon, which is made of a metal alloy, was engraved with the words "Made in King Minh Menh's 20th year".

According to Ly Kim Thoa, deputy director of the museum, the museum now has five cannons dating back to the Nguyen dynasty, the oldest of which was manufactured during Minh Menh's twelfth year of reign.

The cannon will be further examined at the museum and later put on display.. — VNS