Presented is an Mid 19th Century design cast iron signal cannon that appears to replicate
a Dalhgren 32 pound cannon because of its bottle shape, reinforced chamber and single band. Most Dahlgren’s were use on board
ships, but a few were used in the field. This version is that of a field cannon used during the Civil War. THE USE OF HEX NUTS: The wheels of this cannon are
held by hex nuts. Every once and a while we are told that hex nuts were not in use until the 20th Century. Nothing could be
more wrong.
From Encyclopedia Britannica Online Article 39228: “Metal
screws and nuts appeared in the 15th century. The square or hexagonal head or nut was turned with an appropriate box wrench;
a T-handled socket wrench was developed in the 16th century. Some screws used in 16th-century armour have slots (nicks) in
which a screwdriver may have been used, although this tool is not shown. Deep notches on the circumferences of the heads of
other armour screws suggest that some type of pronged device was used to turn them. Slotted, roundheaded screws were used
in the 16th century, but few screw-and-nut-fastened clocks are in evidence earlier than the 17th century. Metal screws were
called machine, or machinery, screws since they were made of metal and mated with threaded holes.”
CONDITION: The cannon is painted in black which appears
orginal. Most of the paint is inatct, and there is only a few blemishes. It is in fine condition, but because of its
age should not be fired, and is for DISPLAY ONLY. There are holes machined for screws, one on each wheel and one
on each carriage leg showing that at one time the cannon was mounted on a plank. They have been filled in with wax. The trunnions
are cast as part of the barrel which is customary and the trunnion caps are present. There are no mold marks or inscriptions.
DIMENSIONS:
Cannon
14″ Length overall
Length barrel 10 1/2″
Bore 3/4″ or 75 Cal
Maximum Width 7″
Weight of cannon 12 pounds
