Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding hand-machined miniature representation of a U.S. naval submarine deck gun, believed to date from the World War II period. Exceptionally well constructed from magnetic metal with a brass-colored finish, the model is fully articulated, with the entire gun capable of rotating on its pedestal and the barrel capable of elevating through a substantial range. The level of machining and mechanical detail makes this an especially impressive example of the type of individually produced miniature sometimes created by Navy machinists, ordnance personnel, or other skilled craftsmen.

The piece is mounted on a brass base and is removable from the base by lifting it out. The piece measures roughly 10” tall when the barrel is at the middle position, but it can be extended further upward, with a maximum height of 15 ¾”. The base measures 4 ⅜” in diameter.

The precise maker and original circumstances of manufacture are unknown, and there are no visible markings identifying a particular sailor, ship, submarine, naval yard, or workshop.

Not Available for Export.

The gun doesn’t appear to match any particular model of naval gun exactly, and likely was made with inspirations from different models the machinist had studied. The screws are all still tight and there is some oxidation in spots across. The barrel itself is 9 ⅝” long.

The gun may appear brass to the naked eye, but the entire set is magnetic, so it is finished steel with a brass color. Some pieces have a small bit of plat, but it functions well and will make for an outstanding display piece!

Machinist-made military miniatures occupy an interesting area between naval artifact, folk art, and technical model. Skilled machinists serving in naval facilities and aboard ships had access to machine tools and often produced small presentation pieces, souvenirs, and mechanical models during their spare time. Without a maker's inscription or accompanying history, however, the precise context in which this particular example was constructed cannot presently be established.

This miniature is particularly noteworthy for its substantial size, steel construction, brass-colored finish, removable pedestal assembly, and fully functional traverse and elevation mechanisms. While it cannot be assigned confidently to one specific U.S. Navy deck-gun pattern, its configuration strongly reflects the open pedestal-mounted naval artillery associated with American submarines and surface vessels during the World War II era. As a unique piece of hand-machined military craftsmanship, it offers considerable visual and mechanical interest for a collection focused on U.S. Navy, submarine, ordnance, or wartime machinist-made material.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).