Author Topic: 9-inch mortar at USNA is one of only three known of this model  (Read 357 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline cannonmn

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3345
This Spanish 9-inch siege mortar is one of only three I know of, of this particular model.  Another is in the center of the "Hudson River Chain" monument at West Point, and another is privately owned.  The mortar is USNA Monument Survey Facility No. 716.  It is presently displayed on the southeast side of the USNA chapel.   The photos I took in 1986 show a smoother, shinier surface with somewhat more legible engraving, so it has degraded noticeably over the past 22 years.  You can clearly see the copper stains left on the concrete by the dissolving bronze.

http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b62/cannonmn/miscforumsetc/forums17/?action=view&current=260a61fb.pbw

Offline Terry C.

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1215
  • Gender: Male
  • I see what you did there...
Re: 9-inch mortar at USNA is one of only three known of this model
« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2008, 07:45:38 AM »
Nice photos, but your gallery says "10 inch" mortar.

Offline cannonmn

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3345
Re: 9-inch mortar at USNA is one of only three known of this model
« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2008, 07:56:49 AM »
You are correct, jes' checkiing to see if you were awake!  The Spanish designation is 9-inch, but the confusion even got to Sidney Brinckerhoff when he co-authored SPANISH MILITARY WEAPONS IN COLONIAL AMERICA 1700-1821.  I'll go back and change it now that you passed my test!