Hyland Granby Antiques

Four Gauge Brass Signal Cannon - Price Upon Request

Rare four gauge brass signal cannon with highly unusual interrupted threaded rollover breech mechanism, American, circa 1890.  The brass barrel is sleeved and has an attractive taper.  The breech mechanism is complex and beautifully constructed.  The breech features a rotating, sliding, cam locking breech mechanism similar to ones found on large naval guns of the period.  The handle on the end of the breech is in the form of a belaying pin.  To open the breech, one rotates the breech lock handle 45 degrees and then pulls the breech lock back.  There is a shell extractor that automatically removes the spent shell.  The breech lock swings out of the way to remove the spent shell and is now ready to be reloaded or cleaned.  The cannon retains its original naval carriage with four lignum vitae wheels with original leather tires.  The carriage retains its original side and rear mounted brass tie-downs, through bolts, trunnion caps, wheel hubs with locking pins and elavator mechanism.  There is an old rope which is spliced to the horseshoe shaped side tie-downs and runs through the rear tie-downs.  (I-888)
Note:  The breech mechanism appears to be designed, patented by Tnordenfelt on June 12, 1888.  The patent description closely resembles the mechanism found on this cannon.  It is possible that this cannon is unique and was built as a prototype by either Brown or Strong before the simpler and weaker swiveling mechanism of the Livigne used by the Brown and Strong cannon manufacturers.
Condition:  The barrel, breech mechanism and carriage are in excellent working condition with no apparent missing or replaced parts.
Dimensions:  Length overall 26 inches; Length of barrel with breech 24 3/4 inches; Width 11 1/2 inches; Height 14 inches.