This design is one of the rarest seen in a small size signal cannon. It replicates a naval cannon of the 19th Century with a skeleton iron carriage. Antique iron ship's cannons are scarce, but one with a skeleton carriage is scarcer still. This one likely dates dates from the Civil War. They were to make salutes, announce a danger, and to call attention in the case of an emergency both at sea and ashore. They were also used to start yacht races.

Presented is a very interestingly made, miniature, ship's iron cannon on a skeleton iron carriage. The skeleton carriage was introduced by the British during the 19th Century as a means of eliminating the deterioration of wood due to the severe elements at sea. The barrel on this gun is decidedly American and follows the design of a Parrott field gun. Naval versions of the 20-, 30-, 60-, and 100-pound Parrotts were also used by the Union navy. The 100-pound naval Parrott could achieve a range of 6900 yards  at an elevation of 25 degrees, or fire an 80-pound shell 7810 yards at 30 degrees elevation. This miniature was likely made before the Civil War. The barrel's touch hole and bore are connected.

 

REF. Christie's sold a similar 18 inch cast iron signal cannon in its February, 2013 Sale 2677 Lot 497 for $1750.00.

CONSTRUCTION: The two sides of the carriage seem to be  saw cut from iron 5/8 inch thick and 9 7/8 inches long and 4 3/4 inches high at the maximum. There are no casting or lathe marks on the barrel so it was likely cast using the "Lost Wax" method.  The trunnions at the front of the carriage fit into recesses in the barrel and are set by ft at faced screws. Elevation of the barrel is adjusted by a square head screw at the rear of the reinforcing band.This is a foundry made miniature using early iron working techniques. The bore is clear to the vent hole.

The grouping of the picture above shows the relative size of the cannon in relation to other objects and shows how nicely it displays.

MARKINGS: None

DIMENSIONS: 

Cannon Length overall 16 1/8"
Length barrel                 11"                        Bore 5/8" or 63 Cal
Maximum Width           8"                            Weight of cannon   11 pounds
Carriage 3 1/4" W x 10" L x  4 1/4" H       Wheels 2" Dia

 

  

CONDITION: Neither the carriage or the tube show any signs of rust. This is because oxidation of the iron has hardened over the years into a midnight black patina, which is very pleasing to the eye. The barrel has some small pitting and roughness within the bore which may have a steel insert. This should be verified by a gunsmith. There appears to be some small round marks around the vent hole which appear to be the results of firing. The carriage looks to have been saw cut from billet iron and is in the same condition. The wheels and axles are also cast iron. The bore is open to the touch hole. There are no mold marks or inscriptions.

This exceedingly unique example is being sold for display purposes only. No attempt should be made to fire it without inspection by a gunsmith.

The skeleton bronze cannon on iron carriage dated 1840 as pictured above was made by J.J. Wolfe, a British foundry. It was sold by us in 2007 for $7500.00.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase, it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States and are refundable if due to our error.

International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing your country's import laws covering edged weapons. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

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