FRENCH BRONZE MODEL 1828 12-CM MOUNTAIN HOWITZER.

This French pattern cannon is what the Americans copied in 1835. This particular tube is beautifully marked with cypher on top of bbl. Foundry markings (Douai Arsenal, France) and date of manufacture 1843 on base ring. Like so many French military cannon, this cannon was given a name, in this case “LE RAPP” which is inscribed in a banner on top of bbl near muzzle. The howitzer was named after famous French General Jean Rapp (1773-1821) who distinguished himself many times during the war of 1812 in Europe. The cursive initial “T” stands for French Army Colonel Guillame Tournaire, who was the “chef d’esquadron” at Douai when the piece was cast. The beautifully engraved Royal cypher on top of the breech is “LP” for King Louis Philippe (ruled 1830-1848). Per Encyclopedia Britannica: “In 1830 Charles X’s attempt to enforce repressive ordinances touched off a rebellion (July 27–30) that gave Louis-Philippe his long-awaited opportunity to gain power. He was elected lieutenant general of the kingdom by the legislature on July 31, two days before Charles abdicated the throne. On August 9 Louis-Philippe accepted the crown.” He abdicated during an insurrection of the lower classes in 1848. These beautiful small bronze tubes rarely come to market. Weighing just over 200 pounds and about 37″ in length, 122mm bore (4-82″), and is easily mounted. It is interesting to note that this initial design of mountain howitzer has “low line” trunnions, like many 18th Century weapons, yet the U.S., Spain, and certainly other countries, copied the basic French tube design but put the trunnions on the axis of the bore in order to reduce downward forces on the carriage upon firing. This cannon originally owned by George E. Albee, a member of Berdan’s Sharpshooters during the Civil War, later won Congressional Medal of Honor at fight with Indians on the Brazos River, Texas on October 29, 1869. Albee went on to work for Winchester and had a sizable gun collection which was donated to Washington College upon his death in 1918. Julia’s sold a very fine Volcanic Navy from the same collection Fall 2012 as lot 1220. This is a fine cannon that will mount on pack carriage and fit into any gun room. PROVENANCE: George E. Albee Collection. Washington College, Chestertown, MD. Richard Brunckhorst. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Tube is very good to fine overall with numerous small blemishes as expected in 150 years. The patina is a mottled mix of brown & green, as can be seen in photos. Markings are crisp & well discerned. 4-54110 (18,000-22,000) – Lot 2088

Auction: Firearms - March 2015

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2088	$0.00	FRENCH BRONZE MODEL 1828 12-CM MOUNTAIN HOWITZER. This French pattern cannon is what the Americans copied in 1835. This particular tube is beautifully marked with cypher on top of bbl. Foundry markings (Douai Arsenal, France) and date of manufacture 1843 on base ring. Like so many French military cannon, this cannon was given a name, in this case “LE RAPP” which is inscribed in a banner on top of bbl near muzzle. The howitzer was named after famous French General Jean Rapp (1773-1821) who distinguished himself many times during the war of 1812 in Europe. The cursive initial “T” stands for French Army Colonel Guillame Tournaire, who was the “chef d’esquadron” at Douai when the piece was cast. The beautifully engraved Royal cypher on top of the breech is “LP” for King Louis Philippe (ruled 1830-1848). Per Encyclopedia Britannica: “In 1830 Charles X’s attempt to enforce repressive ordinances touched off a rebellion (July 27–30) that gave Louis-Philippe his long-awaited opportunity to gain power. He was elected lieutenant general of the kingdom by the legislature on July 31, two days before Charles abdicated the throne. On August 9 Louis-Philippe accepted the crown.” He abdicated during an insurrection of the lower classes in 1848. These beautiful small bronze tubes rarely come to market. Weighing just over 200 pounds and about 37″ in length, 122mm bore (4-82″), and is easily mounted. It is interesting to note that this initial design of mountain howitzer has “low line” trunnions, like many 18th Century weapons, yet the U.S., Spain, and certainly other countries, copied the basic French tube design but put the trunnions on the axis of the bore in order to reduce downward forces on the carriage upon firing. This cannon originally owned by George E. Albee, a member of Berdan’s Sharpshooters during the Civil War, later won Congressional Medal of Honor at fight with Indians on the Brazos River, Texas on October 29, 1869. Albee went on to work for Winchester and had a sizable gun collection which was donated to Washington College upon his death in 1918. Julia’s sold a very fine Volcanic Navy from the same collection Fall 2012 as lot 1220. This is a fine cannon that will mount on pack carriage and fit into any gun room. PROVENANCE: George E. Albee Collection. Washington College, Chestertown, MD. Richard Brunckhorst. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Tube is very good to fine overall with numerous small blemishes as expected in 150 years. The patina is a mottled mix of brown & green, as can be seen in photos. Markings are crisp & well discerned. 4-54110 (18,000-22,000) – Lot 2088 Auction: Firearms - March 2015 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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FRENCH BRONZE MODEL 1828 12-CM MOUNTAIN HOWITZER.