For some time now I have been facinated with cannons and only several years ago did I find that there were some folks who actually made their own cannon. I stumbled quite by accident on the Paulson Brothers Ordnance company and soon became green with envy. Imagine, having the wear with all to actually build your own 8, 10 and even a 13 inch full size sea coast mortar not to mention all the other cannon related stuff they make/ sell. Not only that, they seem to have a awsome collection of authentic cannon including a 10 inch Rodman. I talked with Bernie Paulson, I think, just briefly a while back but only touched the surface of their experiance of building and owning cannons and I'm guessing even shooting their cannons. Has anyone written an article or something telling the story of the Paulson Brothers? I drool at the pictures on their site of stacks of mortars/cannons in their sheds and pictures of their cannons. Wow, what a way to make a living! I know there is probably no great demand for 10 or 13 inch mortars but there must be enough people out there who want one to keep them making more? I'm guessing they both have other jobs that keep them financed as well but what a side line occupation! There must be something in the Blood of these Wisconsin lads because I've heard of others up there making their own cannon as well?If there is somewhere you can direct me to find more information on these very lucky brothers , please let me know of it. I'd love to know their story.
Scott Springston