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CIVIL WAR CAST IRON SIGNAL CANNON
and Later Carriage
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Signal cannons were used to make salutes, warn of danger,
and to attract attention in the case of an emergency. They were also used to start yacht races. These cannons were
generally cast in the style of the period to which they belong.
Presented is a classic iron Civil War Period signal
cannon barrel that is married to a later period steel and brass carriage that dates from about the turn of the 20th Century.
The cast iron signal cannon barrel is heavily rusted, and some of the reinforcing ring around the muzzle's rim is
broken off. Its proportions are typical of similar barrels that we have sold from the same period except that the
cascabal is of larger size. It has one broad reinforcing band.
Note the touch hole and the irregularity around the muzzle and bore which
shows that it has been fired. However, it is being sold for display purposes only and should be considered a historic
relic.
Barrel Dimensions:
Bronze Cannon & carriage 13" Length
overall
Length barrel
9 1/4" Bore 1/2"
Maximum Width
1 3/4"
Weight of barrel
3 lbs 6 oz
Total weight
7 lbs
THE CARRIAGE was married to the barrel by the prior
owner, and is an absolutely wonderful relic in its own right. The metal work and machining show the highest level of craftsmanship.
The chassis of the carriage is made of 1/8 inch sheet metal that is screwed to a machined casting that acts as the barrel's
bed. The length of the sides have contrasting brass studs. The wheels are of machined steel with spokes made of cast brass
that are held in place by riveted machined hubs.
Carriage Dimensions:
Length 8 3/4"
Width of wheels 5 1/8" Height
4 1/4"
Weight of carriage
3 lbs 10 oz
NUTS AND BOLTS: There is common misconception that hexagon
nuts and bolts were not invented an used until sometime after 1908. That is plain wrong. There are numerous references to
square headed and hexagon headed bolts being used in ship construction in the 1860's and being used in the fastening of armor
much earlier. The most authoritative statement exists in Encyclopedia Britannica's Article 39228 which is quoted here:
"Metal screws and nuts appeared in the 15th century.
The square or hexagonal head or nut was turned with an appropriate box wrench; a T-handled socket wrench
was developed in the 16th century. Some screws used in 16th-century armour have slots (nicks) in which a
screwdriver may have been used, although this tool is not shown. Deep notches on the circumferences of the heads of other
armour screws suggest that some type of pronged device was used to turn them. Slotted, roundheaded screws were used in the
16th century, but few screw-and-nut-fastened clocks are in evidence earlier than the 17th century. Metal screws were called
machine, or machinery, screws since they were made of metal and mated with threaded holes."
We are conservatively estimating its age as at least 147 years,
but it could be earlier.
CONDITION: The cannon is painted in black which seems
to be original. Most of the paint is intact, and there is only a few chips, minor scratches, and missing flakes. The
barrel is rusty and the rim around the muzzle is missing in places, but is otherwise without damage. It is sold as a
relic and should not be fired. There are no mold marks or inscriptions.
DIMENSIONS:
Bronze Cannon 15 3/8" Length overall
Length barrel 14 1/2"
Bore 3/4"
Width at trunnion 4 3/4"
Weight of cannon 30 1/2 pounds
This exceedingly fine example is being sold for display purposes only, and
no attempt should be made to fire it.
GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: We guarantee that you must be satisfied on receiving your purchase and our description is
entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three
days, and that the item is returned in its original condition and packaging,insured for its full value. Unfortunately,
shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.
OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with
your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging.
Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately,
no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.
International buyers welcome, but inquire
first. You are responsible for knowing whether this article can be shipped to your country. We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark,
Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain,
Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of
shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated after the auction and is an additional
charge. You may email us before bidding to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed
for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.
This represents an outstanding example
of a cast iron ships signal cannon with exceptional detail and refined proportions. Buy this magnificent collector's cannon Now!
Copyright 2007 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved
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