Author Topic: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon  (Read 1982 times)

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Offline cannonmn

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Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« on: December 20, 2009, 05:58:16 AM »
This is one of my favorite cannons.  It is reportedly a 4-pounder.  It was recovered in the 1980's (?) from the bottom of the Penobscot River in Maine, in the wreck of a Rev War American vessel which participated in the ill-fated Penobscot River Expedition. 

Does anyone know who cast this piece?  Are there any markings on it?  I'm supposed to be getting more pix of it.

At one time someone thought it had been cast by Paul Revere, but I don't think he got involved in making bronze cannons until about 1790, and this cannon had to have been cast before the expedition, meaning Revere could not have cast it.




Offline RocklockI

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2009, 06:12:19 AM »
Is that a kilt wearing Scothish Archer ?

Very nice proportions ! Looks like a samc tube .
"I've seen too much not to stay in touch , With a world full of love and luck, I got a big suspicion 'bout ammunition I never forget to duck" J.B.

Offline Bob Smith

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2009, 06:17:36 AM »
Similar piece in Quebec

Bob Smith

Offline Bob Smith

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2009, 06:18:47 AM »
My photos are not very good, but I'd say the Canadian one was an Indian (sorry, Native American).

Bob Smith

Offline KABAR2

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2009, 06:45:13 AM »


It looks like these were cast for the the colony of Massachusetts as it and the others bear the main part of  it's

coat of arms, is there a list of bronze foundries for Mass. during this era?
Mr president I do not cling to either my gun or my Bible.... my gun is holstered on my side so I may carry my Bible and quote from it!

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Offline intoodeep

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2009, 06:49:29 AM »
 ****Nevermind, KABAR2 beat me to it.... It looks like the massachusetts state emblem.
If you make it idiot proof, then, someone will make a better idiot.


Offline cannonmn

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #6 on: December 20, 2009, 07:49:25 AM »
Quote
is there a list of bronze foundries for Mass. during this era?

A.N. Kennard's GUNFOUNDING AND GUNFOUNDERS is pretty good on the bronze founders, incl. American, I will check when I get a chance.  I know offhand one Hugh Orr (1715-1798) of Bridgewater MA was active in casting iron and some bronze guns during the Revolution.  MA colony then commonwealth seems to have used founders in that colony/commonwealth to supply their militia.


Offline cannonmn

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #7 on: December 20, 2009, 10:35:22 AM »
More pix




Offline cannonmn

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2009, 06:03:54 PM »
Just stumbled across this article which discusses the "alledged Hugh Orr" cannon in Maine.  Interesting, although the "controversy" isn't a necessary one at all IMO, just something stirred up by a zealot.

http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x1570389886/Patriot-battles-to-return-historic-cannon-to-Bridgewater

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2009, 06:13:33 PM »
Not being a nor'east'er, in what state is Bridgewater?
GG
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Offline BoomLover

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Re: Exquisite American-made bronze Rev War cannon
« Reply #10 on: December 27, 2009, 07:40:15 PM »
Massachusetts, according to the article in the paper...
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