ANTIQUE BREECH LOADING SHIP’S SIGNAL CANNON
This breech loading signal
cannon shown above is a very rare presentation piece that dates from near the time of the Spanish American War.
Presented
is an unusual bronze barreled breech loading cannon mounted on a ship’s type carriage which was presented to Norman
L. Green by his grandfather, Leabury in 1899. This was at the close of the Spanish American War. The varnished
Oak carriage rides on two oak wheels and has shipboard brass hardware.
Miniature cannons like this were made for actual signalling and for starting yacht races or by the foundry as
an example of its work. There are no foundry markings on this example which is not unusual.
The engraving
just above the chamber of this cannon reads on four lines:
Norman L. Green
From
Grandpa Leabury
1899 =center>
The picture
above shows the breech in the closed position with the hammer open. Above the hammer is the firing pin. The hammer is activated
by pulling on a lanyard which has gone missing with the passing of time, but that can easily be replaced.
The barrel
has acquired a pleasing patina that has a very appealing greenish tone. The carriage is made from Oak and is
fitted with brass hardware. The bore is free to the touch hole, and shows evidence of being fired. There is an unusual
geometric design over the center of the barrel which can’t be identified.
This cannon is
being offered for display only and should not be fired unless inspected by a gunsmith
The
trunnions are located at the center of the tube and are held by heavy, closed end, trunnion caps, an unusual design.
DIMENSIONS:
Cannon Length overall 13″
Length Barrel 9 1/4″”
Bore .45 Cal
Maximum diameter of tube 1.24″
At 1st ring 1.16″ .
Carriage 8 1/4″ L x 5 3/4″ W x 5 1/4″ high Weight of cannon 4
lbs. 2 oz
Picture shows the open breech below and the engraving above.
PROVENANCE: The cannon was acquired in the normal course of business
at an auction.
CONDITION: There is a raised geometric design on the top
of the reinforcing ring. The medium green patina seems to show natural ageing and has an even cast over the
length. We did not attempt to put a 45 Cal. cartridge in the chamber. The firing lanyard is missing.
The wood carriage is in excellent condition with all of its varnish present. There are some
minor marks of age as expected. There are no mold marks or maker’s mark on the barrel. It is being
sold for display and should not be fired.
The picture
below shows it’s size relative to a Civil War Era ship’s cannon that measures 16″ in overall length and weighs
14 pounds.
This fine example is being sold for display purposes only. No attempt should be made to fire it
without inspection by a gunsmith.