Cannon Question

[USS ALASKA]

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5338579798&icep_item=162641408610

Looking at this pic from ebay with the caption "Whitworth Gun Cannon Awaits Shipment in Richmond - 1865" ... when the Whitworths were brought through the blockade, did the carriages come with them or did the Confederacy have to mount them?

Thanks for the help,
USS ALASKA

 

[redbob]

A Whitworth's carriage was without a doubt its weakest feature (whether English or Southern made), they were extremely hard on them due to their violent recoil and seldom did a Whitworth make it through a campaign without having to be sent back to the Richmond Depot for repairs. The smaller caliber guns that came through the blockade probably came with carriages though carriages were also capable of being made in the Richmond and other ordinance depots . This particular gun was awaiting shipment North after the fall of Richmond as a war trophy.

 

[mofederal]

I have seen any videos or pictures of a Whitworth firing, are there any around? If so I would like to see them.

 

[redbob]

Go to You Tube and put in Whitworth Cannon.

 

[UCVRelics]

@redbob is spot on. Most that were ordered early war came complete. The one in the photo is on an original carriage except the swivel wheel on the trail piece is missing.

 

[Tom Elmore]

One of the two Confederate Whitworths brought to Gettysburg was often out of action with a broken axle. The axle broke on July 1. It was repaired, and broke again from recoil on July 3 after just six rounds were fired.