I've debated back and forth on how the box should be treated, same material and craftsmanship as the carriage or more like a shipping crate (like a Winchester box). Thinking that the cannon will be displayed, the box can be more crate-like but with nicer joinery. I'd like it to hold the cannon, a can of powder, fuse, ramrod, cleaners etc. Everything would have a place. I also considered the lid be removable and become a fireing platform.
I had so-so luck looking for hardware. I'm going to attempt to make my own 6-32 brass square nuts unless someone knows of a source. These and a brass rod with threaded ends will hold the pieces together.
I'm planning to make the trunion caps out of 1/16" brass, hopefully forming them like double D described. Will brass hold up to the cannons force?
thanks