This lot features two (2) fine examples of 18th-century ordnance, rare survivals of early American artillery that highlight the diversity of small-scale weapons used in frontier forts and Revolutionary battlefields. Items include: 

1. Revolutionary War-era cast iron swivel gun. Approx. 11 3/4 x 4 1/8 x 2 1/2 in., bore 53/64 in. One trunnion a modern replacement. 

Revolutionary War-era swivel gun, a compact cast-iron piece whose manageable size allowed for rapid aiming in close combat, despite its smaller bore.

At the cost of being significantly smaller than other artillery pieces, the swivel gun afforded its operators more ease while aiming. The trunnions would be inserted into a rotatable yoke, and a handle would be attached to the cascabel.

2. Cast iron hand cannon, ca. 1745 - 1763. Cannon approx. diam. 2 5/8 in., length 7 1/4 in. 19mm bore. Base approx. 8 x 4 3/8 x 3 1/2 in.

Plaque mounted to the modern base reads: "Signal cannon found at Fort Massachusetts. The fort was built by Massachusetts militiamen, led by Captain Ephraim Williams, in 1745. The fort was used until the end of the French & Indian War, and later falling into a state of disrepair." Bottom of base carved "Curt Brown / Stafford Springs / ... T. 2006". 

A mid-18th-century cast-iron hand cannon, originally mounted for use as an anti-personnel defense against wall breachers at point-blank range, retaining an appealing untouched patina. The consignor relates that the cannon's plaque is a misidentification.

Very rare 18th-century ordnance highly desirable to both military and early-Americana collectors.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[[American Revolutionary War, American Revolution] [Relics, Militaria] [Ordnance, Artillery, Ammunition, Arms & Armor, Guns]

Swivel gun with uniform pitting.

The cannon exhibits a warm patina with spots of rust.