I haven't posted in a while here, but thought I would show off my new mini-field piece.
I had come across these models made supposedly for display only some time back on the Internet and started a thread here about the possibility of them being modified as a shooter. Here's the previous thread
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,182311.msg1098890136.html#msg1098890136To recap, It's a 1/5 scale model of an M1841 six pdr. made by CAS-Hanwei using oak and steel. Hanwei mainly makes reproduction Asian and European medieval swords and armor for collectors and the Renaissance fair re-enactor market, but this may be the only cannon they produced. It is not in their current product list, so it may be discontinued although several of the reproduction arms and armor dealers still appear to have them in stock.
After Boomlover responded that he had one in hand and that they could be made into shooters--also that since one company had done just that and was reselling them at about a 35% markup, I had decided to get one when I had the extra funds. As other things took priority and time passed, I kind of forgot about it, but then just a few weeks ago I learned that through a miscalculation in my retirement withholding, I found out I was getting an embarrassingly large tax refund. About this same time, I spotted a dealer on Ebay who had several of these M1841's for sale. Viola--the deed was done and it just arrived this week.
From several measurements, I have verified that the scale is correct and all metal parts appear to be steel except the tire rims. Although they have the same gray/brown chromed finish as the barrel, a magnet would not stick to them. However, I do know that there are some steel alloys that are non-magnetic, so I really can't be sure what they are made of.
One shortcoming I noticed is that unlike the original cannons, the models do not have a steel axle encased in the wood axle body. The model instead has a single block of wood with the ends turned to replicate the axles. This may be strong enough to hold up to firing as is, but it wouldn't be a major operation to fabricate a steel axle to correct it.
Even the sponge and rammer chain looks authentic with the correct working hasp lock arrangement as well as an ear plate and key for the worm
Here's a shot of it setting next to one of the CVA style Napoleon's.
You will note that the 6 pdr's carriage is not quite as beefy as the Spanish made cannon,
which also has a sturdy steel axle in the axle housing.
I don't know when I'll get around to drilling a vent and firing it, but will post pictures when I do.
Cheers
