I’m new here and I’m not sure exactly what this Forum is about. So bare with me as I post some follow-up info, as well as post some questions I have. If my post diverts away from the intent of this Forum and this thread, just direct me back on course.
I am building a 1/6 scale display model of the Williams Gun. I picked this scale so I could use an “action figure” to pose with the model. Also that scale is large enough to model the breech mechanism.
My model may be more of an “artist’s representation” than a historically accurate model. Why? There is no known photo of the carriage used for the Williams Gun. The full-size, firing replicas that I have seen are mounted on the wrong type of carriage. This is based upon photos of the surviving barrels that are mounted on a pintel mount. I will not go into details at this time.
In reply to Chuck’s original question, I have contacted several museums to learn what I can about the Williams Gun. Watervalet Army Arsenal has the most complete example of this gun with most of the mechanism and hardware, such as sights. They sent me a drawing with dimensions---but not scaled.
Quoting from above:
"I am familiar with uses foil wrapped powder charge with the projectile attached which is inserted in the breech. It is externally primed with a musket cap."
There is a lot of debate on some Civil War history forums as to the type of projectile that was fired by the Williams Gun.
I live in Collierville, TN. During the Battle here on 11 October, 1863, General Chalmers attacked the Union fort with his mounted division. Among Chalmers troops was Buckner Battery which was armed with four(4) Williams Gun. I know of four(4) projectiles that have been dug from the center of town. These projectiles are iron shot of approximately 1.5 inch diameter---very rusted of course. There is no record or explanation for any other artillery piece that would fire a canister round of that size having been in this area. The conclusion of several of us is that this projectile was fired by the Williams Gun at General Sherman’s train and his troops defending the earthen fort.
My 1/6-scale Model
My question for this forum is about my model.
Q1: What color did the Confederates paint their gun carriages? I had heard Confederates painted their carriage and caissons a medium BROWN. To be specific, I would like to know what color was applied to a carriage that was made locally in the mid-1863 in Alabama?
Q2: The Williams Gun had a couple of Brass parts attached to the steel barrel and breech. It was common to paint steel cannons in BLACK. Should I paint the brass parts, too? I would think so but many cannons had brass sights that were not painted.
I would appreciate any replies.
Steve
