Real mortar/parapet gun/cannon or ?

kahnjar1 · 17th April 2009, 10:19 PM

I do not have any idea of the use of this item BUT....it looks as if it COULD be a breech loader, as there appears to be a very steep thread at the "knob" end where it enters the brass block. That in turn would withdraw the round "plug" shown at the breech end.
A most interesting piece!

Norman McCormick · 17th April 2009, 11:00 PM

Hi,
I think, the threaded rod is part of a clamp and the 'breech plug' the metal pad found on such systems.
Regards,
Norman.

M ELEY · 18th April 2009, 02:04 AM

Thank you, gentlemen, for remarking on this piece. Oh brother, I didn't even notice the threaded plug until you pointed it out. I assumed it was a front loader. As a breech loader, is it possible this was a true weapon vs signal cannon or rope thrower? Is it thick enough? Is it more likely that if a weapon, it would have been on a swivel vs it's stationary housing? Likewise, as the barrel appears to be of two pieces, does this make it an unlikely weapon? Oppinions?

celtan · 18th April 2009, 03:26 AM

Perhaps the threaded breech-plug was specifically designed to help remove failed charges after a hang fire? The rounded shape of its "cascabel" doesn't seem conducive to frequent use. Otherwise, it would have a more squarish form or even a hole, to help turn it with a key.

A gun of this mitey size would be much easier to load from the front...

Manuel Luis

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Thank you, gentlemen, for remarking on this piece. Oh brother, I didn't even notice the threaded plug until you pointed it out. I assumed it was a front loader. As a breech loader, is it possible this was a true weapon vs signal cannon or rope thrower? Is it thick enough? Is it more likely that if a weapon, it would have been on a swivel vs it's stationary housing? Likewise, as the barrel appears to be of two pieces, does this make it an unlikely weapon? Oppinions?

M ELEY · 19th April 2009, 03:46 AM

Thanks Manuel, and good point. Any guesses as to time period? Do you feel this could have been a small deck gun or more likely a signaler/line thrower? Thanks-
Mark

celtan · 19th April 2009, 03:55 AM

2nd half of 19th C..?

I'd go for the second alternative.

Best

M

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Thanks Manuel, and good point. Any guesses as to time period? Do you feel this could have been a small deck gun or more likely a signaler/line thrower? Thanks-
Mark

M ELEY · 19th April 2009, 04:55 AM

Thanks. I suspected as much due to the completely straight barrel and two-piece assembly. Still an interesting piece...

17th April 2009, 10:19 PM	#1
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,789	I do not have any idea of the use of this item BUT....it looks as if it COULD be a breech loader, as there appears to be a very steep thread at the "knob" end where it enters the brass block. That in turn would withdraw the round "plug" shown at the breech end. A most interesting piece!

17th April 2009, 11:00 PM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	Hi, I think, the threaded rod is part of a clamp and the 'breech plug' the metal pad found on such systems. Regards, Norman.

18th April 2009, 02:04 AM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,167	Thank you, gentlemen, for remarking on this piece. Oh brother, I didn't even notice the threaded plug until you pointed it out. I assumed it was a front loader. As a breech loader, is it possible this was a true weapon vs signal cannon or rope thrower? Is it thick enough? Is it more likely that if a weapon, it would have been on a swivel vs it's stationary housing? Likewise, as the barrel appears to be of two pieces, does this make it an unlikely weapon? Oppinions?

19th April 2009, 03:46 AM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,167	Thanks Manuel, and good point. Any guesses as to time period? Do you feel this could have been a small deck gun or more likely a signaler/line thrower? Thanks- Mark

19th April 2009, 04:55 AM	#7
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,167	Thanks. I suspected as much due to the completely straight barrel and two-piece assembly. Still an interesting piece...