December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
Exceptionally desirable dated 1862 U.S. 3" ordnance rifle on carriage with original hardware on carriage. Accessories include four prolong stakes, two bore swabs, one bore brush, and one bore worm. The two-piece handle for inserting into the trail is also included, as well as water bucket and chains. This gun was manufactured by Phoenix Iron Company (“PIC”) and is so marked at muzzle together with serial number 187, and inspector initials “JMW” (James Madison Whitmore). Weight of 69” long tube is 817 pounds, which accounts for under half of the total weight of this piece. Carriage is about 900 pounds bringing the total weight to a little over 1700 pounds. The carriage is 80" wide outer hub to outer hub, and the entire piece as deployed is 131" long overall from muzzle to end of trail. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is near excellent repainted black finish on tube and metal hardware of carriage. Tube is really fabulous with extremely fine to near excellent rifling. Reproduction wood of carriage is strong and serviceable with extremely fine paint coverage. Iron tires remain strongly adhered to wheels and show typical loss of finish from use on concrete floors. Accessories are in good serviceable condition. The 3" Ordnance rifle was used by Union and Confederate forces alike throughout the American Civil War, and was considered a “light” artillery piece relative to the bronze Napoleon cannon also in use. It was a very effective and accurate cannon out to about a mile. This gun comes from the estate of a very discerning collector, and it is not often that an early manufactured gun like this surfaces for public sale. Think of the noteworthy battles a cannon produced this early could have been present in. Please note that this piece is oversized and will require local or third-party pickup only. JWK 2024-12-71.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.