May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Attractive black painted Watertown arsenal manufactured 3.6" breech loading mortar on green carriage manufactured in 1897, with original brass data plate on steel mount. "JEH" inspectors initials. This was the first breechloading mortar developed for the U.S. Army and still used a “bag” to contain the powder. Used mostly for coastal and fixed fortification defense, there were only 76 units built between June of 1890 and early 1904, procured in several batches. Four were sent to Cuba via Tampa, Florida for the Spanish American War, and at least two and possibly four were shipped to and deployed in the Philippines during the insurrection there. They were deemed obsolete in 1919 and many were scrapped or otherwise became decorative or memorial pieces. Several, including this one, made it into the hands of private collectors. CONDITION: Very nice repainted finish on metal parts with brass data plate turning a pleasing dull patina with fuse primer brass thumbpiece presenting a more polished appearance. The bore of this mortar has been professionally relined by Matt Switlik and is near excellent. A great piece for the turn of the century heavy ordnance collector which rolls well on its display stand. Please note this is a heavy item and will require third person shipping. JWK 2020-05-103