Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extraordinary original early-19th-century Nepalese bronze cannon tube, later converted from its original muzzle-loading configuration to a Pattern 1895-style breech-loading system. The cannon measures approximately 49 ½ inches overall with the breech block installed, while the bronze tube itself measures approximately 46 ¾ inches without the breech. The rifled bore measures approximately 3 ½ inches in diameter, placing it roughly within the bore range associated with a traditional 6-pounder gun before its later conversion.

The bronze barrel is entirely original and exceptionally substantial, retaining a deep untouched patina with staining, oxidation, handling marks, and other surface evidence accumulated during approximately 170 years of existence. The tube has not been polished or aggressively cleaned, preserving the appearance in which it survived long-term storage in Nepal.

Originally constructed as a muzzle-loading cannon, the tube was subsequently modified with a breech-loading mechanism identified as a Pattern 1895 system. The breech block remains present and functional. It is inserted into the rear of the tube and rotated approximately 90 degrees to lock into position. A modern bolt has been fitted to the mechanism to provide a means of opening and closing the breech.

The top of the breech bears a very interesting crest featuring a lion inside a 5 inch diameter circle. The lion is similar to the rampant lion insignia of the East India Company, and is very likely an Indian or Nepalese produced bronze tube. There are various other small proof markings on the cannon with a marking on the top of the breech block. There is a modern bolt inserted so that the breech can be opened and closed. The breech is meant to be turned 90 degrees once it is inside the breech to lock it into place.

Originating from the British garrison in Kathmandu, Nepal where it has laid for at least the last 170+ years, it is a Nepalese founded example. 

The combination of the massive original bronze tube, 3 ½-inch rifled bore, early muzzle-loading origins, later Pattern 1895 breech conversion, functional breech block, prominent lion crest, untouched patina, and Nepalese arsenal provenance makes this an exceptional example of artillery modernization in the 19th century. Rather than representing a purpose-built late-century breech loader, it preserves the much more interesting history of an earlier bronze cannon kept in service through substantial mechanical conversion.

Overall weight is 1000 LBS. Curbside delivery within the continental US is included with purchase. Customers outside the continental US must contact us for a shipping quote.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Freight and insurance are included in the purchase price (ignore the website shipping calculator) to any location within the continental United States. For international, please contact us prior to ordering.