Ellsworth gun

[Double D]

We have talked scope mounting for sighting cannons before, but using modern equipment and methodology.  This original system compliments that interest.

[Zulu]

I'll enter a picture for the artilleryman. His full scale 12lb. over looking the ellsworth gun.

This picture would make a great entry in the calendar contest.   

Artilleryman,
Your calendar shot says the big gun is a Napoleon.  It looks like a Parrott.  help me understand.
Zulu

[Artilleryman]

The South was short of bronze.  To make Napoleons out of iron and keep the weight down they banded them.  Iron Napoleons and bronze Napoleons weigh about the same at just over 1300 lbs.  There were 120 Tredegar Iron Napoleons like this one built in the last 12 months of the war.  There are nine known to exist.   

[Artilleryman]

This photo may show the sighting system for the Ellsworth a little better.

[VA Rifleman]

Artilleryman and Guardsgunner,

A bunch of thanks for taking the time to share and explain.  Your ammo alone is absolutely beautiful in form and function.
An incredible pair of very unique cannons!

   

[Artilleryman]

Thanks.

[VA Rifleman]

Artilleryman,

What kind of rifling does your Ellsworth have? Do you ever worry about the sharp edges of the rifling ripping the foil when the charge is seated?

[Artilleryman]

To load I open the breech and insert the projectile seating the drive band against the rifling.  I then insert the foil wrapped powder charge into the chamber and close the breech.  The cartridge can't be torn by the rifling as it never comes in contact with it.

[VA Rifleman]

Thanks Norm, I forgot about the breach loading aspect of the Ellsworth.

[Artilleryman]

Breechloading sure simplifies the sponging and loading process, and you don't need as many cannoneers on the crew.

[VA Rifleman]

Artilleryman,

3 grove saw tooth rifling? 

[guardsgunner]

The rifling is the only thing that is not correct on the barrel. The original had 15 lands and grooves of near eaqual width. Their math didnt quite work out so one groove is narrow. 1 turn in 65 or so.
Because to make a rifleing head that will do 15 limits the number of types you can make, I made it to do 12 of equal width. The twist is near the same as the original. groove depth is the same at about .014.

Bob

[VA Rifleman]

Thanks Guardsgunner,

Boy, that Ellsworth sure has a lot of nice features.  A real transition piece in technology.
Easy to see why it has become Artilleryman's favorite shooter.

Good luck to all the NSSA guys at Grayling!

[Artilleryman]

The Grayling shoot is a ACWSA shoot, but I figured you meant those of us that will be shooting artillery.

[VA Rifleman]

The Grayling shoot is a ACWSA shoot, but I figured you meant those of us that will be shooting artillery.

Whoops, no disrespect intended, just good luck to all. 

[Artilleryman]

No offense taken.  Have fun in Virginia.

[Cannoneer]

Norm; what would be the approximate weight of the Ellsworth barrel and carriage combined?

[Artilleryman]

I was told the weight of the barrel was 300 lbs, and I estimate the carriage to weigh maybe 250-300lbs.