- Joined
- Aug 25, 2012
Most people seem to like to discuss bronze Napoleon guns but what about wrought iron Napoleon guns? Some of the older guns were nearing the end of thier usefulness but was wrought iron still a viable metal for Napoleon guns?
The howitzer/cannon without any bands cast into it was first created during the reign of Napoleon the 3rd of France. It had been discovered that all those pretty decorative elements generated stress. It was from the little right angle junctions that a potentially catastrophic crack would radiate. That is what led to the elegant shape identified with the Napoleon.I have a question for you: in the documents of the time, were all the 12-pdr's called Napoleons? Or is this a recent trend?
I get that, although the first one ( and only one) was ordered in 1856. How do we reconcile the "Napoleon" as a bronze cannon with a bell and the cast iron cannon with no bell? In other words, did Hazlett and Olmstead (& Ripley?) start a naming convention?It's official title was Light 12 pound Gun Model 1857 and as it was somewhat based on a very similar gun developed in France under Napoleon III is was unofficially called that here.
The Napoleon was a howitzer/cannon of 12 pounds. The elegant shape of the bronze French design was a side benefit. It was the dual propose nature of the gun, not its shape that gave it the name.I get that, although the first one ( and only one) was ordered in 1856. How do we reconcile the "Napoleon" as a bronze cannon with a bell and the cast iron cannon with no bell? In other words, did Hazlett and Olmstead (& Ripley?) start a naming convention?
You are correct. The howitzer lofted it’s explosive charge onto a target at a steep angle.A Howitzer implies a necked down powder chamber so the gun could be lighter, like on a Mountain Howitzer. The Napoleon had a straight tube all the way down.
Iron 24 pounders were a standard naval cannon during Napoleonic times.Great post. I actually have the same question about the 24 lb smoothbores. I believe these were Iron?
That only applies to the Union 12-pdr's - right?It's official title was Light 12 pound Gun Model 1857 and as it was somewhat based on a very similar gun developed in France under Napoleon III it was unofficially called that here.
I am confused. What is it you are getting at? I have never heard of bronze 24 pounders.So the smooth bore 24 pounders should be bronze? I am a bit confused because I have read that too, but the painting guide with the cannon shows it in black. Just want to get this right...
I am confused. What is it you are getting at? I have never heard of bronze 24 pounders.
An iron what? Howitzer or cannon?I have the Iron one...no handles...
I posted a picture of it above. I have the one shown in firing mode and transport modeAn iron what? Howitzer or cannon?
That is a monster, all right.I posted a picture of it above. I have the one shown in firing mode and transport mode