Civil War Cannon
About 10 years ago I purchased a cannon from an auction house that represented that they were offering it representing a Civil War museum in Gettysburg. It's a strange piece and I would like to know what it's purpose was. It has a 2 1/4 Bore and the barrel is 32 Inches long.The barrel is mounted on a wooden naval carrige.
I bought it looking at a picture, planning to place it on the front lawn of a property I owned at the time overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. I thought I was buying a full size cannon and wound up with this when delivered. (Dumb I know) Any insight or information regarding its pedigree/value would be GREATLY appreciated. Incidentally its in wonderful condition.
I bought it looking at a picture, planning to place it on the front lawn of a property I owned at the time overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. I thought I was buying a full size cannon and wound up with this when delivered. (Dumb I know) Any insight or information regarding its pedigree/value would be GREATLY appreciated. Incidentally its in wonderful condition.
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Need pictures.
Edited:
Your barrel was probably made by Hern Iron works.
http://www.hernironworks.com/cannons.html
Nice carriage, BTW! It is a copy of the "mountain howitzer."0 -
Can you post a photo of it? 0 -
I will take a photo of it and resubmit my query . . . thaks for the quick response 0 -
Also, provided detailed notes on any and all markings. 0 -
Ok guys, thanks for the responses . . . I'm not bright enough to find a way to send the photos taken today . . . I examined the barrel and found no markings. CN 0 -
Send Me a Photo Direct email...along with dimentions...I might be able to help you.....Best..... 0 -
Your description indicates you probably have a signal cannon. 0 -
Thanks for the responses to date . . . I do know how to send photos via regular email. I you would like photos please provide your email address and I will send asap! CN 0 -
Possibly a signalling or saluting cannon- There was also a variety known as a Lyle gun used to fire a weight with a rope attached- to pass a line to a ship. Read the sticky on "how to post photos". 0 -
A NSSA artillery battery near here has a gun about that size.
It is a two-pounder of about 1812 vintage, pressed into service in the Civil War like anything else that would shoot. It was meant as a light naval piece that could be remounted on a field carriage for use by Marines ashore. Not a very big ball, but a bag load of musket balls would hold a position akin to a machine gun today.
I don't say that is what you have, but it is what I have seen in that size range.0 -
this is a model.., but, did it look like this ? 
if so, they were used on boats/small ships, very similar to the PT Boats of WWII
i have a swivel gun, looks like this
only the tang is longer thinner and curved downward like a pistol grip, it is a 1" bore and a hell of a lot of fun to shoot [:D]0 -
Thanks, to everyone for your input. I hope to receive more as I narrow down the seach for information. I know a heck of a lot more now than when I first posted. (To: USN Airdale . . . my cannon is almost identical to the one you showed with the carriage.) Again, if any one would like photos send your email address to me at cneuenhaus@aol.com 0
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