First post..., first cannon. What is it, and some help needed!

[MikeS0000]

Hello Folks -

Long time collector of militaria, especially WW1 Era rifles and accoutrements, but growing up in Upstate NY I spent a lot of time climbing over the cannon at Fort Niagara, Ticonderoga and Oswego. Always thought it would be great to have one, so before I fade away I hope to set one up on the hill where we live.

Found this beastie, and it is now on its way. While I don't have all the specs, it is roughly 42"s long, with a 2-1/2" bore. Would like to build a naval - garrison style carriage to mount it on and roll it out of the barn every now and then. I know it won't be a shooter, but that's ok.

However, I would appreciate any comments or thoughts on the type and timeframe it may be from and how, where to find plans and hardware for a carriage.

Thanks very much for looking and for any help!

Best regards!
- MikeS

[KABAR2]

MikeS0000,
Welcome to the forum! looks like an original post 1800 era cannon, can you give a few more photo's? breech area, muzzel/bore, and any markings?  and it will look very nice on a proper naval or garrison carraige. 

[Cannoneer]

Hi Mike! Late 18th, to early 19th century small cast iron naval gun, that at one time was fired by a cannon lock. Where was that photo taken, and are any markings legible anywhere on the barrel? Are you sure of the bore size?

[MikeS0000]

Thanks guys! Looking forward to participating.

Cannon  is due to arrive this upcoming week, oddly enough it is coming from the West Coast. Will post some more pics then. Below is one more the seller had.  The measurements are what I received from the seller so I'm not positive as to how exact they are. Same with markings, but the condition may have obliterated any. He had no history on it, but it had been in his family for a long time. 

Probably not the greatest example going, but I never figured there would be one here. Got the bug from my Grandfather who told me tales of growing up in the Hudson River Valley and all the neat items he and his brothers would find, and then from my Mom who as a kid would picnic at, and climb all over the ruins of Fort Niagara before any reconstruction began.

Well thanks again and will appreciate any advice you may have!

Best regards!
- MikeS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

[flagman1776]

Hope the truck has a hydraulic tailgate.   
I don't know your situation...  or your tools & equipment. 
I'd use straps & pick it with my backhoe. 
It's probably on a pallet.  You could use a come-along, planks & pipe rollers.  I moved large safes & 40' boats (among other things) that way.
Transfering onto a small trailer would also work, (possibly with rollers) if you have one.
Don't sell the truck driver short...  he might be able to get closer than you think.   

[Zulu]

Hope the truck has a hydraulic tailgate.   
I don't know your situation...  or your tools & equipment. 
I'd use straps & pick it with my backhoe. 
It's probably on a pallet.  You could use a come-along, planks & pipe rollers.  I moved large safes & 40' boats (among other things) that way.
Transfering onto a small trailer would also work, (possibly with rollers) if you have one.
Don't sell the truck driver short...  he might be able to get closer than you think.

MikeS0000,
Did your barrel make it?  We want to see pictures.
Zulu

[exlimey]

Thanks guys! Looking forward to participating.

Cannon  is due to arrive this upcoming week, oddly enough it is coming from the West Coast. Will post some more pics then. Below is one more the seller had.  The measurements are what I received from the seller so I'm not positive as to how exact they are. Same with markings, but the condition may have obliterated any. He had no history on it, but it had been in his family for a long time. 

Probably not the greatest example going, but I never figured there would be one here. Got the bug from my Grandfather who told me tales of growing up in the Hudson River Valley and all the neat items he and his brothers would find, and then from my Mom who as a kid would picnic at, and climb all over the ruins of Fort Niagara before any reconstruction began.

Well thanks again and will appreciate any advice you may have!

Best regards!
- MikeS

Hi MikeI have seen that breech on 19th century British  cannon, those holes might be for attaching a firing mechanism.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

[MikeS0000]

Hi Guys!

Yes, arrived yesterday evening. Offloaded from 18 wheeler to pickup, kind of just pushed the pallet on as there was just a slight drop to the bed. then up the 800' hill to the barn where I hooked a chain hoist to it and the lowered it onto a dolly. Just got the crate opened this afternoon, then thunderstorms. She won't win any prizes for being beautiful, but as I told the wife that is in the eye of the beholder. 

Will take pics tomorrow. Definitely resided in a watery grave for a while, but the underside of the rear must have been buried as it is really nice.

More later!

Best regards,
- Mike

[MikeS0000]

OK..., first photos from its new home. Rough, but has some interesting feature IMHO... 

Looks like there may have been some kind of crest on the top, and it may be my imagination, but just behind the touch hole it look like the #15 may have been cast into it.  Seems to have a sighting line in that section also. Definitely drilled for a gun lock. The anchor etched in it was done by the seller’s grandfather who thought he saw one there. Maybe a Broad Arrow? Or, just his imagination.

The bore I would guess is ~2.5"s. It's really rough and larger at the mouth, so it is difficult to tell. It is a heavy beast, though I suppose not so much in terms of its relatives. The bore is empty and goes all the way to the rear and amazingly the touch hole is open into the bore.

So..., any and all advice will be appreciated! From preservation to handling of the bore (roto-rooter)? And one kind member has offered to assist with ideas for the carriage. But will be glad for any additional input.

Oh..., the bell is a new addition also and will be ringing next to it. The wife really likes the combo!! 

Best regards!
- Mike

[MikeS0000]

Couple more....

[MikeS0000]

Working on the carriage and just couldn't help myself.... but I didn't realize it was so heavy! And yes, that's the dog between my legs, helping out...

[BoomLover]

MikeSOOOO...that either is really lightweight, (like a movie prop?), or you did a good job of hiding the wires holding that thing up! For it's size, and apparent bulk, it should weigh in the neighborhood of over 200 pounds..... If you are holding that thing like that for real, then YOU THE MAN!!! I suspect you'll get many comments...BoomLover

[GGaskill]

A silhouette cut out of 1/4" plywood?

[KABAR2]

   You may wish to install a recoil pad before firing it.... 

[Double D]

  You may wish to install a recoil pad before firing it.... 

Allan, Allan, Allan....roflmao

[Cannoneer]

Did you cut that silhouette as an aid in gauging size on the carriage you're making?

[MikeS0000]

Yup, it's a cutout for sizing the carriage. Just couldn't resist the photo op!

There was a time I could have bench pressed that weight, but those days are long gone, along with my back. 

Now, on to the cutouts for the carriage. The cannon is a three pdr, and with some able assistance from a very knowledgeable Board's member I'm working on getting it right! The info that out there, including Muller, is very interesting but there seem to be some contradictions in his methods and tables.

Best regards!
- Mike