50mm Ball Smooth Bore Muzzle Loading Mountain Cannon 32’’ Cast Iron 7/8”
SOLD FOR: $2,225
WOA#: WY240418WOA001
Make: Unbranded, possibly Dixie Gunworks, partially home made.
Model: 50mm Mountain Cannon
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Modern Reproduction
Bore Size: 50mm Round Ball
Ignition Type: Percussion Cap, on nylon string with black powder charge
Markings: None visible
Barrel Length: 32’’
Thickness of Barrel at Breach: ?’’
Sleeved/Cast: This is a cast iron cannon
Elevation Device/Sights: This cannon has an elevator post with a spinning cog for elevation. No sights on gun.
Yoke/Carriage & Condition: Carriage, wood base and steel wheels. Wood has one crack on right side post of wood, main base has no cracking. Wheels structurally sound.
Type of Finish: Cannon gun is painted black, wood is gray
Breach/Muzzle Loaded: Muzzle
Rifled or Smooth Bore: This used to be a rifled barrel, but rifling has worn down into a smooth bore.
Bore Condition: See above on Rifling. Cannon has been well fired before, bore is still bright and has been maintained, some wear and light rust but no pitting or cracks present. Has powder and grime in the barrel. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.
Weight: Estimated about 100 pounds
Overall Condition: This cannon retains about 70% of its metal and wood finish. As stated the main issue is there is a crack on the right side post that supports the cannon. There are some normal scratches and scuffs on the receiver and the outside of the barrel from heavy use, the percussion cap device appears to function as intended, with some powder burns and grim surrounding it. The wheels are structurally sound, with some rust and heavy wear, bolts will need tightening and adjustment when reassembled. There are no markings present, possibly worn off or painted over. Overall, this Cannon rates in about Good Serviceable condition.
Mechanics: There is nothing to indicate that this cannon will not function properly. We did not fire this cannon.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Comes with 6x PVC homemade rods. 1x) Bore brush, 1x) Ram Rod, 1x) Metal worm 3x) paint roller sponge. Also included is a leather side saddle style cannon accessory bag mounted on the carriage beam.
Our Assessment: Alright, who’s got the bedpost, and who’s got the powder? Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is something that doesn’t come around every day, a working man’s cannon that will shoot anything from 50mm round balls, silverware, nails, and chains, to a bedpost. This cannon is meant to be fired and admired. You’ll be the talk of the town once people hear you start firing off round after round. Let’s get some back story on the history of these cannons. Mountain guns were designed to be carried over very rough terrain and would be broken down and carried by horses, mules, donkeys, camels, or even elephants. These guns were typically lightweight, intended for use in mountain warfare, where the rugged terrain made it difficult to transport heavier artillery. Mountain guns were characterized by their small size and lightweight design, which made them easier to transport through rugged terrain such as in Europe and India. They were often mounted on carriages that allowed for quick disassembly and reassembly, and light enough to be able to be moved by a determined man aiming to send some serious hate downrange. In mountain warfare, where mobility was crucial, guns such as these provided a valuable asset to military forces. They could be used to provide direct fire support to infantry units, suppress enemy positions, and engage enemy artillery and fortifications. Their ability to be broken down and carried by animals made them ideal for use in regions where larger artillery pieces would be impractical to deploy. Now, what is this cannon going to be used for? The answer is, Yes. Anything and everything. In this writer’s opinion, this is the AK of cannons, well used and taken care of, it should accommodate most anything that will fit down the bore. Get this cannon and be the envy of all your buddies during range days.
Edge-
