Name this stubby cannon

[M.Warren]

I don't think I've ever seen a photo of one of those. 30-pd siege howitzer looks about right (definitely a howitzer and too heavy for field use; not sure about the caliber).

I think the only ones to have the handles above the trunions were the 1841 models but I ain't no expert so don't quote me on that.

Anybody got a copy of Hazlett et al. ?

I'm also far from an expert on ACW artillery but from what I've read lately due to sparked interest from these threads is the Federal versions are the ones with the handles above the trunions. I could have completely misunderstood this though so, like you mentioned, don't hold me to it. I'm learning as I go. The handles were somewhat the continued design practice from those old 18th century guns. Functionally the adornment offered a purchase for ropes while the tube was mounted. But as the metallurgical arts progressed, designers realized such features offered stress points and impediments to clean casting. Early production 24-pdr Howitzers used handles with the half octagon profile shape. Alger models used a rectangular "pad" where the handle joined the gun tube. Ames used an octagon shaped pad. However, later production, in 1862-63, featured completely round handles. @redbob can probably clear it up in a spit second though.

 

[AndyHall]

LoC has this image and calls it a "32-pdr. field howitzer," but I would bank on the identifications provided here by CWT folks.

 

[ole]

I liked "Stumpy." Phyllis doesn't quite make it.

 

[redbob]

I'm also far from an expert on ACW artillery but from what I've read lately due to sparked interest from these threads is the Federal versions are the ones with the handles above the trunions. I could have completely misunderstood this though so, like you mentioned, don't hold me to it. I'm learning as I go. The handles were somewhat the continued design practice from those old 18th century guns. Functionally the adornment offered a purchase for ropes while the tube was mounted. But as the metallurgical arts progressed, designers realized such features offered stress points and impediments to clean casting. Early production 24-pdr Howitzers used handles with the half octagon profile shape. Alger models used a rectangular "pad" where the handle joined the gun tube. Ames used an octagon shaped pad. However, later production, in 1862-63, featured completely round handles. @redbob can probably clear it up in a spit second though.

I believe that you are correct, by the time of the Civil War; function had overcome form and since the handles no longer provided any function (except maybe eye candy) they were removed to make construction of the tubes easier and faster.

 

[Rebforever]

These shown are at Petersburg.

 

[M.Warren]

I believe that you are correct, by the time of the Civil War; function had overcome form and since the handles no longer provided any function (except maybe eye candy) they were removed to make construction of the tubes easier and faster.

Thank you, sir. I knew you could clear that up easily enough.

 

[MRB1863]

A 32-pound field howitzer named Ka-Boom!!!

 

[M.Warren]

A 32-pound field howitzer named Ka-Boom!!!

We had one named Whistling Dick, but I must admit your idea if very fitting!

 

[CSA Today]

We had one named Whistling Dick, but I must admit your idea if very fitting!

https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2010NC/finalprogram/abstract_170734.htm