M1857 Napoleon 12-pounder light field gun. With carriage. Boston: Henry N. Hooper, 1863. Serial no. 207.

An incredible piece of Civil War militaria, this M1857 Napoleon 12-pounder was one of 370 made by Henry N. Hooper for the Union. These cannons could fire solid shot or explosive shells nearly a mile away, as well as shots for closer range engagements. They were also the last cast-bronze cannons used by the U.S. military. The Napoleon was the cannon that replaced the M1841 6-pounder in the Civil War, becoming prolific at major events such as the Battle of Gettysburg, where 36% of the Union artillery pieces were cannons such as these. 

The muzzle face is marked: “No. 207 H.N.H. Co. 1233 lbs. / T.J.R. 1863,” indicating that this is the 207th gun produced by Henry N. Hooper under contract; that it weighs 1,233 pounds; that it bears the inspection initials of Ordnance Officer Thomas Jefferson Rodman; and that it is dated 1863. The tube is further marked with an ornate “U.S.” on the top between the trunnions, and “227” appears along the upper edge of the right trunnion.

Two cannonballs were once lodged in the breech of the barrel, but they were expertly removed and the cannon was properly cleaned/stabilized.

The wooden elements of the carriage have been restored (almost always the case) but its metal components are period and appropriate.
 

BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PICK-UP/SHIPPING ARRANGEMENT. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms] [Cannon, Ordnance, Artillery] 

No caisson.