What it says on a cannon

[major bill]

I took this photo on Saturday. Who can help me decipher it?

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Your tube is a 30 pounder (4.2 inch) Parrott, with a weight of 4220 pounds. It was out of the West Point Foundry (WPF) and bears a registry number of 348. It was produced in 1864, and inspected by Richard M. Hill (RMH).

 

[major bill]

Interesting. The things one can see just driving down the street.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Do you happen to have a photo of the tube from a bit further back...?

 

[major bill]

Marshall Michigan appears to be safe. But the American Museum of Magic might be in danger (the cannon kind of points towards the museum).

 

[mofederal]

I never see any real cannons when I drive down the street, but I do see some fake ones.

 

[major bill]

In front of an old GAR Hall now used as a museum.

 

[major bill]

Are we sure it is a 42 pounder? The number looked like 4 point 2 to me.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Are we sure it is a 42 pounder? The number looked like 4 point 2 to me.

See my first post again.

That's why I asked for the follow-up photo - you had me scratching my head as I perused my database for know coastal defense tubes in Michigan. We are talking Parrotts!

 

[major bill]

See my first post again.

That's why I asked for the follow-up photo - you had me scratching my head as I perused my database for know coastal defense tubes in Michigan. We are talking Parrotts!

Sorry I did miss read what you posted.

 

[major bill]

My wife was in an antique store in Marshall Michigan and I had to keep busy for an hour so walked over to look at the cannon. It was look at the cannon or visit the magic museum and I did not want them to "saw me in half".

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

@major bill,

Thanks for posting photos of the tube... It is always nice to see old iron!

 

[redbob]

There will often be markings on the ends of trunnions also.

 

[DixieRifles]

Wozer!
I've watched a 20-lb Parrot fire live rounds. I can't imagine a 30-lb.

 

[TomP]

There will often be markings on the ends of trunnions also.

Also, there should be a "U.S." on the barrel and possibly a patent stamp at the base of the breech. There is an exceptional book on the casting of these monsters from the Images of America series.

 

[TomP]

I've watched a 20-lb Parrot fire live rounds. I can't imagine a 30-lb.

Fort Pulaksi performs live-fire demonstrations with a 30 pounder Parrott; pretty amazing to see and I'm sure you can look at google images and find some postings. I have some photos somewhere of night firing of the 30 pounder that came from a fellow Ranger down there.

The West point Foundry made Parrotts as large as 300 pounders.

 

[Carronade]

I was expecting something like what it says on a claymore mine - "this end towards enemy"

 

[DixieRifles]

Fort Pulaksi performs live-fire demonstrations with a 30 pounder Parrott;

By live fire, I meant firing a solid shot at a target.
The Parrot I observed hit a bullseye of a 3-ft target at 1/4 mile. The kick was powerful and took 4 or 5 guys to roll it back into position through the mud.

 

[JOHN42768]

Another translation "Do not stand in front while firing"

 

[major bill]

Another cannon on display in Michigan.