Large naval guns could impress visitors during shipboard diplomatic events. Accounts recalled here repeatedly describe a barrel as large enough to put a head inside. That recurring comparison prompts a tentative suggestion that reception areas or deck arrangements sometimes placed visitors where they could judge the bore at close range. The intention behind those arrangements remains speculation, with no particular ship offered as a documented example.
Notable Point · 1:35:34-1:36:32
Gun barrels as a display of naval power
A recurring visitor comparison prompts a tentative interpretation that deck arrangements helped display the size of warship guns.