Confederate Napoleons

[redbob]

Why didn't Confederate manufactured Napoleon Cannon have the distinctive muzzle swell that Federal guns had?

 

[James N.]

I think it was just another form of shortcutting by eliminating an unnecessary detail. Similarly, M.1861 Parrotts have one, whereas it was eliminated on the next model. It was difficult for the Confederate manufacturers to "tool up" creating their dies, etc., so any elimination of unnecessary details was usually welcomed.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

I think it was just another form of shortcutting by eliminating an unnecessary detail. Similarly, M.1861 Parrotts have one, whereas it was eliminated on the next model. It was difficult for the Confederate manufacturers to "tool up" creating their dies, etc., so any elimination of unnecessary details was usually welcomed.

Quite possible. It would have been consistent with other practices, such as not turning down pieces (like Brooke rifles) to the point where they were smooth/polished-- it wasn't vital to the functioning of the piece.

 

[redbob]

I think that both of you gentlemen are right- the Types I,II,III&IV have the muzzle swells and the Type V/1863 (Bronze) and Type VI/1864 (Iron) do not. Thank you for your assistance.