Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is an antique miniature European bronze 12 pounder Napoleon muzzle loading cannon of the type that would have been in common use from the late 1700’s up through & including the American Civil War & later. The European Napoleon cannons had the reinforcing bands on the barrel whereas the U.S. versions did not. Also the European versions had the ammo boxes on the axle on each side of the barrel where the U.S. versions did not. Some European Napoleon cannons were imported by the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War, and both sides would use whatever cannons they captured. . 14″ long overall with a 7″ smoothbore bronze barrel. The barrel is bored through to the touch hole, so it is possible that this cannon could be fired. All of the hardware and fittings are cast bronze, with the wood parts of the carriage and wheels being made of walnut. This is a beautifully made piece, and may very well be an European arsenal made model! The attention to detail is just spectacular down to the bronze nails, wheels, wheel keepers and tapered wheel spindles. You never see tapered wheel spindles on a model cannon! On the left side of the carriage trail is what looks to be a rope cutter. The number “2” is stamped into the bottom of the reinforcing brace in the center rear of the axle. The wheels have bronze bands reinforcing the hubs and bronze tires. Accessories include a bronze water bucket with lid, a combination rammer & sponge rod, and another bronze rod that may have been used as a lever to lift the trail for moving & aiming the cannon. The piece looks to be quite old, & my opinion is it was made pre 1900, and maybe as early as the early to mid 1800’s. The bronze parts have a wonderful smooth aged patina. The piece is in wonderful condition, the only real flaw is it is missing one of the wheel keepers and the piece behind it which is a tie down hook. A beautiful piece that would be a great addition to your cannon or miniature collection! From the collection of recently deceased well known antique arms dealer Neal Gutterman in New York. !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
