Original British Victorian Bronze Signal Cannon on Custom Oak Naval Carriage made in Glasgow Original Items

Original British Item: Only One Available. This magnificent Victorian Bronze Signal cannon is real, and in reality these were not just used for signaling. It has a bore of about 1.55″, which does not sound very big, but in truth could deliver a hearty thump. These were often deployed in long boats and often taken ashore during “raiding parties” as well. We suspect that this example, after service, was then cleaned and polished, and the original carriage was either replaced, or dressed up quite nicely with all brass fittings, making a lovely display piece for a business, castle, or other location.

This features a 26 3/4″ brass/bronze barrel, with the bore being just over 1 1/2 inches, and it has the standard touch hole ignition. The profile is more simple than earlier Georgian era cannons, which is what leads us to identify it as Victorian era. The Cannon is mounted on its sturdy original carriage with brass wheels and fittings, which are beautifully constructed. There are no markings on the cannon, however the carriage is marked on the left capsquare with:

ARCH’D WATSON
GLASGOW

We assume this was the person who dressed up the carriage so nicely. It is still very sturdy and definitely well designed. It even has a Napoleonic era style elevating system of a wooden wedge to higher or lower the Cannon Barrel’s trajectory to near or distant targets. It also has a wood and brass muzzle cap to prevent material from falling in the barrel that might prove a hazard when it was used.

Today these are mostly used to start yacht races, but during the 18th and 19th centuries were a necessary part of British Naval Warfare. An extremely attractive example in great shape, ready to put by the fireplace!

Specifications (Barrel):-

Year of Manufacture: early-mid 19th Century
Caliber: 1.55 inches
Ammunition Type: Black Powder
Barrel Length: 26 3/4 inches
Width at Trunion: 8 inches
Ignition: Touch Hole
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Weight: approx. 57 lbs.

Specifications (Carriage):-
Overall length: 23 inches
Width of Carriage Base: 8 1/4 inches
Width at axles: 15 inches
Wheelbase: 14 inches
Height: 12 inches
Weight: approx. 39 lbs.

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