A Civil War Napoleon type cannon

[Tom Griffin]

Ever since experiencing a cannon demonstration at Greenfield Village, I've been fascinated by cannon from the Civil War era. Over the years, I collected information on them, including many photos and measurements first hand. Eventually I got around to building one and settled on a one-fifth scale Napoleon 12 pounder. I made the wheels out of hard maple with individual spokes, fitted into hubs and wooden rims, all held together with steel tires shrink fitted just like the real ones. The barrel was machined out of a piece of brass I had laying around and has a 15/16" bore. The trunnions are silver soldered into shallow pockets in the sides of the barrel. The elevation screw is case hardened steel with a square thread (Mr. Acme wasn't born yet) and the nut is brass. The carriage itself is also hard maple and has case hardened steel furniture. I made it about thirty five years ago and shoot it regularly, especially on Independence Day and New Years Eve. The balls are .88 caliber and are cast from lead in a two piece aluminum mould that I made. It makes an impressive sound that you feel more than hear.

Tom

 

[bvd1940]

That a real nice job you did there, thanks for posting.:biggrin:

 

[ScrapMetal]

Attention to detail is superb.

Thanks for the pics,

-Ron

 

[Tom Griffin]

Thanks guys.

Ron: How is the shaper project coming. Are you able to work on it in the winter?

Tom

 

[ScrapMetal]

I'd be able to work on it if I just found some extra time. :banghead: The winter really doesn't affect me much as my "shop" is an empty garage stall I have at my office but it's a little unique in that I have a furnace-AC unit. It stays about 72 degrees year round. :biggrin:

The last couple of weeks have been a little chaotic as has the weather (actually hit 65 today, in Nebraska, in the middle of winter!) but I should have a handle on things shortly then it'll be time to dig in a little deeper.

Thanks for asking,

-Ron

 

[churchjw]

NICE Not only looks cool but great over all work.

Jeff

 

[Tom Griffin]

NICE Not only looks cool but great over all work.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff,

I'd also like to build a howitzer barrel for it and maybe a limber if there were just enough hours in the day. :thinking:

Tom

 

[chief]

That is one Nice looking cannon, I hope mine comes looking that good, I stared working on the wood, but have a way to go, and I'm not that good with wood.

 

[Tom Griffin]

That is one Nice looking cannon, I hope mine comes looking that good, I stared working on the wood, but have a way to go, and I'm not that good with wood.

Thanks Chief.

Yours is looking good so far, are you going to shoot it?

Tom

 

[chief]

Hi Griff: No I don't plan on firing it up, I will just set in my office with all my other old navy toys and look at it,