{"product_id":"original-early-19th-century-nepalese-bronze-cannon-converted-to-pattern-1895-breech-loading-field-gun-with-lion-crest-3-bore","title":"Original Early 19th Century Nepalese Bronze Cannon Converted to Pattern 1895 Breech Loading Field Gun with Lion Crest - 3½” Bore","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an extraordinary original early-19th-century \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNepalese bronze cannon tube\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, later converted from its original muzzle-loading configuration to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern 1895-style breech-loading system\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The cannon measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e49 ½ inches overall with the breech block installed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while the bronze tube itself measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e46 ¾ inches without the breech\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The rifled bore measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 ½ inches in diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, placing it roughly within the bore range associated with a traditional 6-pounder gun before its later conversion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally constructed as a muzzle-loading cannon, the tube was subsequently modified with a breech-loading mechanism identified as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePattern 1895 system\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginating from the British garrison in Kathmandu, Nepal where it has laid for at least the last 170+ years, it is a Nepalese founded example. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emassive 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\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46028518522949,"sku":"ONAC26B032","price":11995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/C777FFB8-1393-4A3A-A76A-3F7FCDA77D29.jpg?v=1792178033","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-early-19th-century-nepalese-bronze-cannon-converted-to-pattern-1895-breech-loading-field-gun-with-lion-crest-3-bore","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}