Allen, A few weeks ago I mentioned that Mike and I are both fascinated by the 1879 Mk I and Mark II versions of this cannon of the British Empire. These versions are muzzle loading and were in use in Afganistan and many other places around the world with both British and Colonial artillerymen. The main challenge to the prospective maker of this form of mountain gun is the registration of the two separate rifled halves of the tube, 201 Lbs Breech and 199 Lbs muzzle end. Some very precise and accurate machining is necessary in the area of the mating surfaces so that, upon the assembly of the two halves, the rifling much reach full registration or perfect alignment when the bearing faces on both halves are completely engaged and all assembly rotation has been halted. Perpendicularity of these faces with the axis of the threaded sections is crucial here so as to bring 80% or more of the mating faces into contact.
In some ways making a breech block would be simpler, but there are quite a few problems to overcome there as well as I'm sure you already know. Maybe we will tackle this project someday, Allen, but certainly not until we retire in about 2 to 3 years. Below is an interesting photo of an Indian artillery section assembling one in the field. All in all a truly intriguing piece!
Regards,
Tracy and Mike
