Swivel Guns

[Dan Chamberlain]

Don't know for sure, but these devices seem to be the most economical version of a cannon one can own.  I saw one at a rondy several years ago that was rough cast and a smooth bore.  The owner fired orange juice cans filled with concrete for projectiles.  I believe the bore was 1.5 inches or there about.  Anyone know anything about them and where one might acquire one for an ornament on their deck?

Dan C

[Cat Whisperer]

They have an interesting history (which since I'm not a history buff I'll let others expound upon).

Interesting idea - cannons for the common people.  There was a smallish cannon early on that shot golf-ball size projectiles that was attahced to a pole for support - one long pole with the tube ont he end of it.  I've seen a couple of originals and some copies too.  

Sounds like an interest ing project to make up a dozen or so - should be relatively cheap.  They could also be made as replicas for reenactments of some of the wars in merry old England.

[Dan Chamberlain]

They were quite common aboard ships and river boats for close-in work.  Loaded with shot/gravel/spoons and forks they would pretty much empty a birch-bark canoe!  I'll have to look about for one.

Dan C

[Cat Whisperer]

Sounds like it's a close relative to the 'punt' gun - a 4, 6, 8 gauge shotgun on a swivel at the back of the rowboat - used to get the maximum number of birds out of the flock.

[Dan Chamberlain]

Probably similar, but the ones I've seen have the profile of a cannon!  They also have a large ball or stem at the rear for grasping.  The one I saw at the Rondy was about 3 feet long and weighed close to 80 pounds cast!  It was pretty neat.

Dan C

[Cat Whisperer]

I have a 1-7/8 bore Napoleon that was hooked up that way.  (I bought just the tube from a feller.)  He had it on a 3" steel pipe with a heavy base and could shoot lead balls over a mile with it (measured).

Must not have had that much kick to be able to be fired from a pedistal.

[Jeff B.]

Check these guys out http://www.brasswithclass.com/ . They make 32" & 24" small cannons that are golf ball diameter 1.69". These guys sell their stuff to the proprietor of Cannon Mania so you might get a better deal if you eliminate the middle man and go through them.

Decent pics on their page. At one time they listed prices but they aren't there now. If I can recall correctly, they wanted $650 or so for one of their 32" versions.

[Double D]

I had read somewhere that swivel guns main purpose was to be a line thrower when the ship came into port.  

Go to our Resource list at the head of this forum and you will find all the cannons your heart desires.  

I would look at Cannon mania's site first, and I'm sure you will find what you are looking for there.

[Jeff B.]

I've seen a few of these at the local forts in my area. The ones I have personally seen were more for anti-personel use than anything else. Usually the displayed piece would have various projectiles present to demonstrate the intended useage. The last one I saw had .50-.60 cal. shot on display with the swivel gun. The bore of the gun was about 1.5".

Wish I had pics of it to show you guys. It was such a "cute" little thing.

[Cat Whisperer]

And here's one commercially available:

http://www.dicannonworks.com/herreshoff.htm