The original Rodman at Fort Clinch (lotsa pics)

[Terry C.]

The subject of this gun, now located at the main entrance to Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida, has been raised before. It is, the story goes, an original 10" Rodman that was transported here from Fort Taylor.




Until just recently, this was the only photo I had of the Rodman, taken when it was located in front of the fort.




The gun tube is not in the best of shape, it's pitted badly.

I'd hoped to get some numbers, but this was not to be the case as any markings that the gun may have once had are long gone. But I did get some decent pics (despite the waterspot on the lense that I didn't know about) so here they are for your approval.
















Neither trunnion had any discerable markings left, nor did the muzzle.






There is a plaque on the mount, but all markings are completely worn away and it's unreadable.

[Terry C.]

Another problem...


.. the pesky wildlife kept getting in the shot!

[dan610324]

couldnt that been avoid by directing the camera a little different   

but if thats the local wildlife ........... hmmmmm   

[seacoastartillery]

      We agree with you when you say that, " I'm much more interested in an original in poor condition than a perfect copy".  We are too, and we wouldn't think of wasting more than a few minutes looking at replicas of the seacoast guns that we love.  However, we believe that you have to give the State of Florida some credit for going way beyond the normal, modern attitude that forts are just another nature area, another picnic ground or another place to pitch stupid, environmental, "Chicken Little" theories.  We would much prefer that the fact that they are not originals was announced on a prominent sign placed where you could not miss it, but we also say that for the average visitor to the fort, at least their presence makes you think of the tremendous power of the fort and the real reason it was placed in that location.  And, besides Mike's gun has a carriage and your's doesn't and his is shinier than your's and his is smoother, and your's isn't, so there.      Thank's for posting those excellent photos Terry; it's very obvious that we can't compete with that last one at all.  Wildlife indeed!

Regards,

Tracy and Mike


Replica 10" Rodman Guns and the St. Mary's River in the background.




The maker of the carriage did a nice job over-all and the details like the implement hooks are present as well.




We aren't trying to kid anyone here;  this trunnion is hollow and the originals were solid.  But FAKE?  We just don't think that word is fair to the citizens of Florida who paid for these high quality replicas.

[Terry C.]

Point taken. I will edit it my personal commentary out of the original post.