Civil War Iron Field Signal Salute Cannon
Signal cannons were used to make salutes, warn of danger,
and attract attention in the case of an emergency. They were also used to start yacht races. These cannons were
generally cast in the style of the period to which they belonged.
Presented is a classic Iron Civil War Period signal
cannon barrel that is married to a later period steel and brass carriage that dates from about the turn of the 20th Century.
The cast iron signal cannon barrel is heavily rusted, and some of the reinforcing rings around the muzzle’s rim are
broken off. Its proportions are typical of similar barrels that we have sold from the same period except that the
cascabel is of larger size. It has one broad reinforcing band.
Note the touch hole and the irregularity around the muzzle and bore which
shows that it has been fired. However, it is being sold for display purposes only and should be considered a historic
relic.
Barrel Dimensions:Bronze Cannon & carriage 13″ Length
overall Length barrel
9 1/4″ Bore 1/2″Maximum Width
1 3/4″Weight of barrel
3 lbs 6 oz Total weight
7 lbs
THE CARRIAGE was married to the barrel by the prior
owner, and is an absolutely wonderful relic in its own right. The metal work and machining show the highest level of craftsmanship.
The chassis of the carriage is made of 1/8 inch sheet metal that is screwed to a machined casting that acts as the barrel’s
bed. The length of the sides have contrasting brass studs. The wheels are of machined steel with spokes made of cast brass
that are held in place by riveted machined hubs.
Carriage Dimensions: Length 8 3/4″
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.”We are conservatively estimating its age as at least 147 years,
but it could be earlier.CONDITION: The cannon is painted in black which seems
to be original. Most of the paint is intact, and there is only a few chips, minor scratches, and missing flakes. The
barrel is rusty and the rim around the muzzle is missing in places, but is otherwise without damage. It is sold as a
relic and should not be fired. There are no mold marks or inscriptions.DIMENSIONS:Bronze Cannon 15 3/8″ Length overall
Bore 3/4″Width at trunnion 4 3/4″Weight of cannon 30 1/2 pounds
This exceedingly fine example is being sold for display purposes only, and
no attempt should be made to fire it.
RearView
3/4
front view
Top view of carriage
