Unknown gun

[Artilleryman]

I was sent the following images of an unknown gun, and asked what it is.  I know that it is similar to the Tappey & Lumsden revolving gun found on page 148 of Warren Ripley's "Artillery & Ammunition of the Civil War".   No dimensions were sent along with this images.  Neither was the location.  The color in the prints is somewhat off, but I don't think that's a problem.  I would imagine that this is a one of a kind experimental gun.  Anyone have any ideas as to what it is?

[Cat Whisperer]

It looks like it's on a military post/base. 

[cannonmn]

It looks like it's on a military post/base.

Ft. Benning to be exact.

[KABAR2]

What is the breech made of? or is it just painted silver for contrast?

[Max Caliber]

Sure has a Whitworth look about it - bore, trunnion ring, and etc. Looks British.

[cannonmn]

What is the breech made of?

Bronze

[dominick]

It would be interesting to see it with the breech open.  I would like to know if the breech cylinder is a hollow tube, loaded from the rear or a closed mug type, loaded from the front, or solid.  Also, where's the ignition?

[BoomLover]

Just wondering, looking at the bottom of the breech, outside on the lower back end, there appears to be a square extension which reminds me of the end of the crankshaft of a Model "T" engine. Could a handle have fit over that to "crank" the lower roller up or down to leverage the powder chamber into place and hold it securely? Crank from left to right to raise and lock in, then after firing, replace handle and crank from right to left to lower and release....Just a random thought. BoomLover

[BoomLover]

Hey, Dom...looks like this would be a neat mini cannon your so good at making...

[cannonmn]

Revolver gun.  Small bronze cylinder at bottom is a cover for drive pinion, handle allows it to be opened like a cylinder-top desk for cleaning, lubrication.  Driven by square crank fitting at rear.  Pinion engages ring gear which encircles the cylinder containing at least three chambers, like revolver cylinder.  Percussion nipples are on rear of cylinder, cylinder is inside the visible bronze housing/dust+rain cover.  Complete housing containing cylinder was removeable for reloading, by handle attached to the projection with hole which you can see in the photo.  Extra cylinders would be available and kept loaded.  The slot in the rear of the breech had spring-loaded pawl which engaged aligment slot in rear of cylinder when chamber aligned with bore, press to disengage in order to rotate crank and bring next chamber into aligment with bore for firing.  Hammer at rear fires caps.  Hammer and pawl/pawl spring are missing.

[Artilleryman]

I had a feeling that you would have the information on this gun cannonmn.  Who made it?

[cannonmn]

Who made it?

Good question, if I ever knew I can't remember now.  I will post that info if I either remember or find it in notes or literature.

[Artilleryman]

You are such a great resource for this board.  Thanks

[little seacoast]

So we're talking about the biggest baddest six shooter around?  That's some cannon!

[KABAR2]

So we're talking about the biggest baddest six shooter around?  That's some cannon!

No it's a single shot side swinging breech if you look at the design the pivot pin is in the bottom section the ring on the side was probably for some sort of opening and locking set up.... I doubt it was a very sucessful design due to gas escaping there is no provision for sealing it by  the looks of how things are set up....