Here's another Spanish mortar with a strange, unknown mark on it, something which looks like an "AP" monogram. This is a 9-inch mortar with a provenance about as well-known as that of any weapon in the world. This was one of two original bronze mortars which was in the Spanish fort, Castillo de San Marcos, at St. Augustine, FL. Extensive documnentation in the Library of Congress shows they were there from at least the beginning of the second Spanish occupation (1784?) through 1860. In 1861, the Confederates moved the two mortars to Fernandina, FL. when they evacuated St. Augustine. Shortly, Rear Admiral Dupont's ships and other forces took Fernandina back for the Union. The mortars were taken to the Washington Navy Yard where they were displayed outside the Ordnance Museum. In 1959 they were declared surplus and sold to a local scrap dealer. The 9-inch mortar (shown here) was bought by an antique dealer in Maryland, and exchanged (ca. 1960) with the National Park Service, for a 6-pounder bronze gun, M1841. It has been on display in the Castillo ever since. The other mortar, 6-inch caliber, is in a private collection. The two mortars have identical capture inscriptions.
What is the meaning of the engraved "AP?" monogram near the vent?
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