Original Late 19th Century Experimental Bronze Breech Loading Cannon on 20th Century Custom Steel Carriage
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Original British Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very interesting late 19th century experimental bronze breech loading cannon, mounted on what looks to be a custom 20th century steel carriage. We were not able to find any markings on the cannon, so the history is not entirely clear, but it is very well made. We believe this to have been most likely made at one of the U.S. Arsenals, possibly Springfield, and was made as a scaled down model for experimental breech loading systems. It probably started life as a small bronze signal cannon, and then was modified.
The cannon has a bore of approximately 21mm / 0.83in., and has a spring loaded falling block loading system, which returns to the upper position once released. The firing mechanism is non-functional, and probably incomplete. It is made from several blocks of bronze, which are attached to the main barrel. There does not appear to be any provision for ejecting cartridges, and we were not able to see any type of chamber inside the barrel.
The steel / iron carriage it is mounted on looks to have been modified over the years, and currently would need to be completely disassembled to remove the barrel. It has a small elevation mechanism that works with the barrel, and it even looks to have spring loaded recoil dampeners as part of the carriage, but we do not know if they are currently functional.
A very interesting little cannon, full of research potential! Ready to display!
Specifications (Barrel):-
Year of Manufacture: late 19th Century
Bore Diameter: 21mm - 0.83"
Ammunition Type: Unknown Cartridge
Barrel Length: 11 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 19 inches
Width at Trunion: 5 1/4 inches
Feed System: Falling Block
Specifications (Carriage):-
Overall length: 24 inches
Width of Carriage Base: 8 inches
Width at axles: 12 3/4 inches
Specifications (Combined):-
Overall Length: 33"
Overall Height: 10 1/2"
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