Some of my recent work, part 2 "Dahlgren carriage"

[dominick]

Here's a Dahlgren carriage I built for a South Bend barrel.  The owner sent photos of the complete gun with re-painted carriage.

   

   

   

   
   
   

[cannonmn]

That's very nice looking  and has an authentic design.  I always appreciate it when a craftsman takes the time to "get it right.  For whatever it is worth, you did a great job on that one. 

There are some old Dahlgren models here, 19 th C., and their carriages I don't think have anything on yours, except maybe matchmarks.  One has the old-style matchmarks that I really like to see, little patterns of dots made with a prick punch showing which part mates up to another one.

[seacoastartillery]

      My first thought when I saw that full size version you built for the guy with the 9" Dahlgren Shell Gun was, where can I get a 9" Dahlgren tube?  That May 11th posting pushed me to learn more about these great looking carriages.  Personally, I like the looks of the eight hole version better which you have beautifully re-created in the smaller size.  Almost all the drawings that I found  feature this model.  What a wonderful job you have done.  Hats off to you, Dom!

Regards,

Mike and Tracy

[lance]

Dom, Execellent work as always!!! darn, my SBR Dahlgren with Marsilly carriage should be here any day now. i wish i would have just ordered the tube and got a carriage from you!

[dominick]

Thanks For the compliments guys!  Much of the credit goes to the owner, Bill, who placed emphasis on making the carriage as close in appearance to the originals as possible.  He sent along blueprints of the original Dahlgren gun with his order which made my work easier. 

[intoodeep]

OK Dom,

 Now you have done it. That is the exact project I have had on the back burner. I just didn't ever get the details together to send to you. Is this made for the SBR tube that is about 19"  (1" bore)? If so, that what I'm looking for..... I have one here sitting on a crummy wooden carriage that I'd like to upgrade. I'll send you a PM.

[dominick]

        Personally, I like the looks eight hole version better which you have beautifully re-created in the smaller size. 
Regards,

Mike and Tracy

I didn't notice the difference in the carriages until I looked at the prints from the full scale carriage.  I think the owner of the 9" [full scale] barrel went to a museum for the carriage specs.  He cut cardboard templates of the carriage that we transferred into a water-jet program.  The scale model carriage above was hand-cut.  I am waiting for photo's to post of the full scale with the barrel mounted. We have to wait until he finds a crane to lift the barrel into place. [the barrel weighs 6500 lbs]  I agree that the eight hole is a better looking carriage. The blue-gray color looks better too. Dom

[JeffG]

Wow, I am stunned.  As a long time student and enthusiast of John Dahlgren, ( "A Quest for Glory")I am very excited by your work!  "Nice Job" doesn't cover it!!

[cannonmn]

As a long time student and enthusiast of John Dahlgren

I collect Dahlgren stuff too, I also have found some manuscript items by him and some mentioning him, that I hope to publish some day.  I collect the Dahlgren-associated gunnery items too, his gun firing locks, models, cannons when I can find them, etc. 

I still need a "small" Dahlgren boat howitzer on original carriage, just missed one a few years ago.  I was looking for the rest of the money, trying to sell my cat, my wife, etc.  when somebody who had the money showed up and bought it.  They made 23 of them, and I think two are privately owned.  I need that one to complete the trio of the models that could be mounted on field (landing) carriages, so if you see one of the small 300 lb. tube specimens for sale, pls let me know.