SIGNAL CANNON
On Fine Naval Style Brass And Wood Carriage
DIMENSIONS:
Length of barrel: 11 3/4″
Bore: 1 3/4″
Width: 2 1/2″
Weightof cannon: 11 pounds
Carriage: 7 1/2″ L x 6 1/2″ W x 4″ H
Antique iron signal cannons on well done naval carriages are becoming harder to find. This one likely dates from the Civil War to the turn of the century. They were used to make salutes, announce a danger, and to call attention in the case of an emergency both at sea and ashore. They were also used to start yacht races.
Presented is a heavy cast iron cannon on a typical naval ship’s carriage that replicates the kind of guns that were used by our Navy from the time of the 1850’s when more advanced designs went into service. This one was likely made between the Civil War and before the Turn of the 20th Century. The barrel’s touch hole and bore do not show any residue of black powder.
There are no foundry marks on the cannon or carriage to indicate the manufacturer. The tube shows a coating of light rust and age. All the iron appears to have all its original finish and is in very good condition. The wood carriage is exceptionally fine with its brass rimmed wheels and heavy brass trunnion covers. The touch hole is open to the bore. The fact that the trunnion caps are brass indicates the higher than usual quality of this piece. Each is held in place by two large brass screws. The wheels are wood rimmed in brass, and the axles are iron. There are other minor expected marks of age.
This very fine example is being sold for display purposes only. No attempt should be made to fire it without inspection by a gunsmith.
