About Us
|
We, a few thousand cannon collectors in the US, collect, study, restore, and fire antique cannons as a hobby. We also collect old or interesting cannon models, cannon ammunition, accoutrements, books, etc. Seems like most of the fun is in the "hunt" for new items. Second is doing the research on a cannon and being able to trace its individual history from its markings (date, place of manufacture, and serial number). Also enjoyable, although difficult, is restoring an artillery piece to its original condition. The payoff is being able to display and fire it, either in organized competition, as shown on this page, or informally. |
||
|
1860's Krupp breechloading cannon firing 14-lb. shot, Fort Shenandoah, VA, 10/98 |
||
Thousands of cannons were donated to cemeteries, towns, and veterans' posts by the US Government around 1900. Many are still there. Many were melted down during scrap drives during the World Wars, but fortunately, many have been acquired and preserved by private collectors, saving them for posterity from further deterioration , theft, vandalism, or scrapyard and melting pot.
Breechloading salute gun with 4' barrel, made in New Haven, CT, for Civil War Veterans group
These marks on a bronze, rifled, muzzleloading cannon of about 1870 should tell where or when it was made. Korea? Japan? China? Can you read it?
|
3 ton, 24-pounder seacoast gun tube being painted. Cast in Pittsburg PA in 1836, National Archives records show this piece was issued to Gen. McClellan in 1861. |
||
or Springfield Arsenal LLC Store