M 1840 6 Pound Field Cannon of the Mexican War
Era.
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Bronze Barrel Oak Carriage Without qualification this is the finest antique miniature signal cannon we have seen The workmanship
is of the highest quality making it an exceptional find. This cannon is a foundry model of the rare M 1840 6 Pound Field Cannon of the Mexican WarEra.
Presented is a b ronze barreled signal cannon which may be modeled after the design of the M1840
Field Cannons that were used in the Mexican War. Only 27 were made by the N.P. Ames company of Springfield, Mass., before additional
redesign by the lengthening of the barrel by six inches resulted in the M1841. The latter were made by four
major armories in far greater number totaling over 817. The trunnions extend from the center of the barrel and the bore
extends to the touch hole.
The 6-pounder field gun was a lightweight, mobile piece that was a favorite of
the field artillery in the first half of the nineteenth century. Changes in technology and design largely made them obsolete by the beginning of
the American Civil War. However, due to a shortage in arms some 6-pounders saw action on both sides. The barrel is mounted on a wood
carriage with wood spoked wheels having iron bands just as in the full size version. Metal bands are also fitted to
the hubs. The machinery and wood work is masterfully made and nd joined so that
the entire assembly fits together with precision. Elevation is adjusted by an iron turn screw with four handles. The barrel’s touch hole and bore a reconnected.
MARKINGS & PROVENANCE:
There are no markings. The cannon was acquired in the normal course of business from a seller who said he thought it was
English in make and had come from a New York Estate
CONDITION:
There is a flat
spot on the right muzzle molding. The touch hole is
open to the bore. The wood carriage is in excellent condition and its fittings
are accurate to the period. The rims around the wheels, and hubs are
slightly loose. We did not want to glue them. There
are minor marks of age as expected. There are no other mold
marks or inscriptions. There is light surface rust on many of the iron
parts.
This exceptionally fine example is being
sold for display purposes only. No attempt should be made to fire
it without inspection by a gunsmith.
DIMENSIONS
Cannon Length overall 16 1/2″
Length barrel 9″
Bore 7/16″ or 44 Cal
Maximum Width 7 3/4″
Weight of cannon 6 pounds
Carriage 8″ W x 13 3/8″ L x 6
1/8″ wheels