12 lb bronze field howitzer

[A.Roads]

Hi all,
I'm hoping someone here may be able to assist me.

We have a 12lb bronze field howitzer & limber (the barrel is original) & need a full set of harnesses for the limber - all for a museum.

Also the vent hole is a dilemma, I'm not familiar with the US practise. Were they fitted with a copper vent, or was a touch hole drilled only. This example has either a blown vent or enlarged touch hole. We have to rectify this in the correct way suitable for blank firing at least. Does any know the correct set up here?

Any help on these two queries much appreciated.
Adrian Roads.



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[GGaskill]

The normal routine for enlarged touch holes is to thread the hole with the closest size thread, then make a threaded copper liner with the new touch hole in it.  It needs to be installed with the bottom end flush with the bore wall so powder bags and implements will not catch on it and it won't provide a depression that could hold sparks.  It should have a slot or some other device to allow turning it into the threaded touch hole.

[claypipe]

I would highly recommend you obtain a copy of "The More Complete Cannoneer" by M.C. Switlik, available at:

http://www.museumandcollector.com/book.html

It covers vent replacement in good detail.

Try contacting the people at:

http://www.reillysbattery.org/

Perhaps they can point you in the right direction. Otherwise, if you have the specs, try the Amish.

CP

[Double D]

I suggest you contact Paulson Bros for advice on where to get correct pattern harness work.

You will find them listed on the Where to find Blackpowder Cannons and shooting supplies post at the top of our forum.

If you come up with a specific harness makers let us know and we will add them to the  list.