Real mortar/parapet gun/cannon or ?

[celtan]

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

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]

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]

2nd half of 19th C..?

I'd go for the second alternative.

Best

M

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]

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