Author Topic: My new toy and idea on projectiles (Read 1167 times)

mtnman37879 · « **on:** May 30, 2004, 11:55:54 AM »

Here is a picture of my new toy. I got it at an old engine and tractor swap meet a couple of weeks ago. It is cast bronze and the bore is machined to 2 ¼, no liner. It is 33 long. Any information on this tube will be greatly appreciated. Also included in the deal was a pair of artillery style wheels. The wheels are 37 ½ in diameter. I am in need of a pair of spindles for these wheels. The hubs are marked I.H.C. with a part number. The spindle size is 1 3/4x 6.
I have been buying used 2 trailer balls at the flea market. I pay 1.00 no more maybe less. Take them home and cut off the ball, clean them off with the grinder and you have a nice 2 ball.

jimwaits · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2004, 01:58:49 PM »

I think that is a real nice barrel you have there. Wonder if it is bored out all the way back? I did not see a touch hole. I think some manufacturers leave out the touch hold then it is not a shootable cannon and protects them from liability. You can drill a vent easy but I would think you might want to press fit in a steel liner before much shooting.
DD and the quiet kitty should be able to give you excellent advice on this one.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2004, 02:24:44 PM »

I am envious. I'd call it a Napoleon. Look down the bore. Like Jim asked, how far is it bored, and is there a powder chamber of smaller diameter?

Are there any markings at all? Do you think it's modern or old (condiiton will tell a lot)?

Without a liner there are genuine risks in firing it. You might consider having it lined - that would give you a choice of caliber as well. A good liner could bring it down to golf-ball caliber. Then all you have to do is walk the golf course at the edges of the fairways every Sunday evening and pickup your limit.

mtnman37879 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2004, 04:02:47 PM »

It is bored to within 4" of the breach. I was told that it was bought from Bannermans in 1966. I have added a picture of the wheels that came with it. I am in need of a pair of spindles for these wheels.
The size is 6"x 1 3/4"

jimwaits · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2004, 05:25:03 PM »

Real nice looking wheel. I think if you had a piece of shaft a bit larger than the hole in the wheel you could turn it down on each end to just fit the wheel hub and the step would keep it in place on the inside and you could drill it and put a cotter keyover a washer on the outside. You would not need to worry about a bearing, just a daub of grease on each axel end.

Say, that looks like fodder for my upcoming bowling ball mortar in the background!!

Double D · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2004, 05:57:50 PM »

Any markings on that barrel?

mtnman37879 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2004, 02:07:06 AM »

Sorry that "fodder" is for my upcoming project, A siege mortar. As for my new tube I have found no markings at all.

Max Caliber · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2004, 12:43:48 PM »

mtnman: You have a half scale copy of a Model 1841 6-pound gun. The Model 1841 gun is considered by most artillery buffs as a classic piece. It served in the war with Mexico and on through the Civil War. You may have a real tressure there. I suggest that before you do anything to the piece that you have it evaluated by someone who has a good knowledge of muzzle loading artillery. It would look great on an proper scale carriage.