{"product_id":"original-british-colonial-victorian-era-rifled-muzzle-loading-field-gun-of-approximately-7-pounder-caliber-with-bronze-and-iron-barrel-on-iron-field-carriage-recovered-from-the-royal-nepalese-arsenal-at-kathmandu","title":"Original British Colonial Victorian Era Rifled Muzzle Loading Field Gun of Approximately 7-Pounder Caliber with Bronze and Iron Barrel on Iron Field Carriage - Recovered from the Royal Nepalese Arsenal at Kathmandu","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Standing at the crossroads between the age of Napoleon and the dawn of modern warfare, this remarkable Victorian artillery piece embodies a period when the British Empire spanned nearly a quarter of the globe and its guns projected power from the mountains of Afghanistan to the jungles of Burma. Recovered from the legendary Royal Nepalese Arsenal at Kathmandu, this massive Rifled Muzzle Loading Field Gun represents one of the most impressive surviving examples of British colonial artillery to emerge from the famous Nepal Cache discovered in the early 2000s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial British Colonial Victorian-era Rifled Muzzle Loading Field Gun of approximately 7-Pounder caliber, exhibiting characteristic Woolwich three-groove rifling and recovered from the Royal Nepalese Arsenal at Kathmandu. While sharing features with the celebrated British RML 7-Pounder family, its unusually long 75-inch barrel and heavy field carriage suggest a less common colonial or arsenal-produced variant intended for frontier and field service rather than mule transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe latter half of the nineteenth century witnessed a revolution in military technology. Following hard lessons learned during the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the British Army rapidly abandoned smoothbore artillery in favor of rifled cannon capable of delivering unprecedented range, accuracy, and destructive power. The result was the celebrated family of Rifled Muzzle Loading guns that served throughout the British Empire during the height of Queen Victoria's reign, from the rugged frontiers of India and Afghanistan to colonial garrisons across Africa and Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is believed to be either British manufactured or produced under British supervision on the Indian Subcontinent for colonial service possibly at the Nakhu factory in Nepal. Its design closely follows the characteristics of Victorian field artillery employed throughout Britain's overseas possessions during the 1860s through 1880s. The cannon features a substantial 75-inch barrel with a 3-inch bore and distinct three-groove rifling. Particularly notable is its unusual construction, combining a heavy bronze breech section (or sleeve) with a iron forward barrel assembly, reflecting the transitional engineering practices of the period as military manufacturers sought to balance strength, durability, and cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel is mounted upon an impressive period iron field carriage equipped with large wooden artillery wheels shod with iron tires. Retained on the carriage is the original brass elevation adjustment mechanism, allowing precise aiming of the piece. A front blade sight remains mounted at the muzzle, while evidence at the breech indicates that a rear sight was once fitted, further confirming the cannon's active military role. The massive tube weighs approximately 1,000 pounds alone, giving a sense of the logistical effort required to move and deploy such a weapon in the rugged terrain of Britain's colonial frontier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very cannon barrel is illustrated in the landmark book \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTreasure Is Where You Find It,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e appearing on \u003cstrong\u003epage 55\u003c\/strong\u003e during the documentation of the historic Nepal Arsenal discovery. Its inclusion in the volume provides an exceptional level of provenance, directly linking the piece to one of the most significant military artifact recoveries of the modern era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the breech area is presently unmarked, careful examination suggests that markings may have been intentionally removed or altered during its long service life. Such alterations are not uncommon on artillery pieces that remained in colonial service long after their original military issue, particularly those transferred between British, Indian, and Nepalese arsenals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history of this cannon becomes even more compelling through its discovery. In 2003, it was recovered from the vast military stores of the Kingdom of Nepal, a cache that had remained largely untouched since the nineteenth century. Hidden within the fortified arsenal at Kathmandu were tens of thousands of firearms, edged weapons, and artillery pieces accumulated by the Nepalese monarchy over generations. Many had been supplied directly by Britain, while others were acquired through trade, diplomacy, or military cooperation. The discovery ranks among the most significant military finds of modern times and yielded artifacts now represented in major collections throughout the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable Victorian Rifled Muzzle Loading artillery pieces are preserved today in the collections of the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson, Portsmouth, and other major military museums dedicated to the history of British artillery. However, complete examples retaining both their original barrel and period field carriage, particularly those with documented provenance to the Nepal Arsenal discovery, are increasingly scarce. Most surviving examples reside in institutional collections, historic fortifications, or long-established private collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel measures approximately 75 inches in overall length and features a 3-inch bore with pronounced three-groove rifling. The tube alone weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. Included is the period iron field carriage fitted with large wooden wheels, wooden spokes, and iron tires, creating an imposing display that captures the appearance of Victorian field artillery at the height of the British Empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday this extraordinary cannon stands not merely as a weapon, but as a tangible relic of the Victorian world: a period of industrial innovation, imperial expansion, and military transformation. Its commanding scale, unquestionable authenticity, direct connection to the famous Nepal Cache, and likely association with Britain's colonial military presence in South Asia make it an exceptional centerpiece for the advanced collector, museum, historic site, or institutional collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good to excellent considering age and service. The barrel retains a pleasing aged patina throughout with scattered wear and oxidation, the iron portion was cleaned and repainted. The carriage remains solid and displayable, retaining its original iron framework, wooden wheels, and brass elevation mechanism. The carriage was also stripped and repainted. There is some decay in a few areas on the wheels but they are solid and totally functional. The rifling remains clearly deep visible within the bore. A rare opportunity to acquire a substantial Victorian-era artillery piece with outstanding provenance and undeniable display presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarrel:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBore: 3\"\u003cbr\u003eTube length: 75\"\u003cbr\u003eOutside trunnion to Outside trunnion width: 19.5\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarriage:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWheel Diameter: 52.5\"\u003cbr\u003eTire Width: 6\"\u003cbr\u003eTotal Width (Outside hub to Outside Hub): 59\"\u003cbr\u003eTotal Length (Muzzle to carrier yoke): 120\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease see detailed measurement schematic in the image gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurbside freight delivery is included in the purchase price for destinations within the contiguous 48 United States. Due to the size and weight of this historic artillery piece, delivery will be arranged via commercial freight carrier. Buyers outside the contiguous United States are welcome to inquire regarding shipping options and additional transportation costs.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45193297821765,"sku":"ONAC261098","price":19995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/45469DC5-88BA-42F1-8409-43D6830D3AA6.jpg?v=1782154179","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-colonial-victorian-era-rifled-muzzle-loading-field-gun-of-approximately-7-pounder-caliber-with-bronze-and-iron-barrel-on-iron-field-carriage-recovered-from-the-royal-nepalese-arsenal-at-kathmandu","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}