Cannon small antique bronze

[Decembrist]

Hey guys, saved this cannon from local scrapyard. Just wanted to collect opinions regarding possible use of it specifically why would you need such a small cannon on a ship.

 

[Decembrist]

 

[Joe Whitworth]

Signal cannon for a yacht.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

My first thought was also a signal gun.

 

[Trout and Apples]

Why does it have to be from a ship?

It is obviously made of bronze, cast iron would not be that badly dented. Vent hole looks functional.

 

[Joe Whitworth]

Why does it have to be from a ship?

It is obviously made of bronze, cast iron would not be that badly dented. Vent hole looks functional.

Gun reports have been used to announce a boat's approach to port or wharf. This gave the local folks and traders time to gather at the landing before the ship's docking. YMMV

 

[gary]

It's likely a toy. At Conner Prairie Museum they have an oil painting of a mischevious boy with a toy cannon. The toy cannon is aimed at (presumably his sister's) doll. The boy has a fuse/match and is about to blow the doll to smiithereens.

Good save! The local historical society used to have a toy cannon mold. It was for a solid bore cannon that would require boring out.

 

[Jim in Wisconsin]

It deserves a carriage of some sort!

 

[Joe Whitworth]

It's likely a toy. At Conner Prairie Museum they have an oil painting of a mischevious boy with a toy cannon. The toy cannon is aimed at (presumably his sister's) doll. The boy has a fuse/match and is about to blow the doll to smiithereens.

Good save! The local historical society used to have a toy cannon mold. It was for a solid bore cannon that would require boring out.

That piece was no boy's toy IMHO. It's way too overbuilt for a toy, it was meant to be securely mounted and touched off. Being made of more expensive brass maritime exposure to the elements would have no ill effects as opposed to cheaper cast iron pieces which need constant protection from the weather.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

From the bore to the back of the gun seems to be a bit over 8 inches long. Which suggests the caliber is maybe 1/2 inch (give or take, as I am just guessing) If I am right, it'd be too small to make enough noise to functionally serve as a signal gun.....It'd be like firing a pistol to announce the arrival of a vessel.
On the other hand, the vent is "drilled out" sufficiently to appear to be made to "touch off" a round.

What is the measurement of the bore?
Any maker's marks or other info stamped on it?

 

[rebelatsea]

Off the top of my head, maybe a starting gun for regattas? It's too small to be a signalling gtun.

 

[Joe Whitworth]

Off the top of my head, maybe a starting gun for regattas? It's too small to be a signalling gtun.

You mean like signaling a start You all might be surprised how loud this little beast can be. Gun reports travel for miles.

 

[Decembrist]

From the bore to the back of the gun seems to be a bit over 8 inches long. Which suggests the caliber is maybe 1/2 inch (give or take, as I am just guessing) If I am right, it'd be too small to make enough noise to functionally serve as a signal gun.....It'd be like firing a pistol to announce the arrival of a vessel.
On the other hand, the vent is "drilled out" sufficiently to appear to be made to "touch off" a round.

What is the measurement of the bore?
Any maker's marks or other info stamped on it?

no stamps

 

[rebelatsea]

You mean like signaling a start You all might be surprised how loud this little beast can be. Gun reports travel for miles.

Yup, it's quite similar in size to the starting gun at Cowes on the Isle of Wight - although I think that's a breechloader.

 

[gary]

That piece was no boy's toy IMHO. It's way too overbuilt for a toy, it was meant to be securely mounted and touched off. Being made of more expensive brass maritime exposure to the elements would have no ill effects as opposed to cheaper cast iron pieces which need constant protection from the weather.

You don't think they made boys toys that could shoot? Of course it's meant to be mounted and shot. Different era, different toys. Like I mentioned, there's a painting at Conner Prairie showing a mischevious boy who is about to blow his (presumably) sister's doll apart with his toy cannon.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Looks like one of the numerous 'toy' cannons of past… I've seen hundreds of variations of them pop up over the years on ebay - some of them much larger. It seems like they were hugely popular in the 1920s/30s (GAR/Veterans Orgs/etc) and then again in the 1950s/60s/70s/(Bicentennial?).

I imagine World War 2 played a part in why the foundries seemingly had a gap in production for these.

Like lawn darts, different time/different toys.

I'd get some GOEX, charge liberally, and go have some fun!