Rickk,
Sounds like a good idea, however, considering the cost and value of this R.H. Brown Signal/Salute Cannon I am going to move very cautiously. I can have some 1” x 4” shells with the 1.25” rims made or the 10-gauge sleeve insert made by some of the very fine machinists we have listed here.
I am also considering having the cannon restored to its clean looking original condition. I have found a cannon maker in Connecticut, listed on our board, that has indicated they would like to do the restoration and have done others just like it quite recently.
Thirdly, living here in the Lightning Capital, Hurricane Zone Central Florida, I probably will carry a insurance policy on it for its full value. If I do this, I will be unable to shoot it for this would void the policy. I have such a policy now on another large Bronze 2" one- pdr Yacht Cannon which is on its original mahogany carriage and was made in Boston circa 1869.
Much to think about and plan for but for now I will just give it a happy loving home.