December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
Handsome, custom model of a French Seacoast carriage as modified and used by the US Army during the period 1800-1820s for mounting heavy ordnance (primarily 24, 32, 36 and 42 pounders) in coastal forts along the Atlantic Seaboard, including Forts Mifflin and McHenry. The cannon is mounted on a truck carriage nearly identical to those used in naval warships of the period, but the lower carriage has a track system that allows for control of the recoil and easy reloading, while the pintle mount in front and the rear wheel, allow the gun to be easily swiveled from side-to-side, eliminating the need for handspikes and larger crews to manhandle the gun in position. This model was built by my friend, the late Emmanuel Ray Lewis (1928-2014), the longest-serving Librarian of the US House of Representives and expert on early American coastal fortifications and heavy ordnance. Ray's pioneering book, "Seacoast Fortifications of the United States" (19 ) is a classic in the field and has been reprinted numerous times. The model is almost entirely crafted from wood, with but a few small pieces of metal hardware. Overall dimensions (LxHxW): 15 3/4 x 6 x 5 inches. Condition: excellent.