FANCY SMALL ENGLISH BRONZE SWIVEL GUN WITH ORIGINAL YOKE, CIRCA 1780.

SN NSN. This wonderful little cannon is made and marked by the maker, Thomas Pyke, Bridgwater. Maker’s mark is found on second reinforce and cannon is nicely banded & decorated as seen in photographs. Thomas Pyke of Bridgwater (1740-1829) had an interesting history; in addition to the manufacture of cannons he made bells, clock dials, and chandeliers. He was also an iron monger, and probably made this most interesting yoke which has an integral attached rest. An ad by Pyke in the Western Post Flyer (newspaper,) 1 January, 1781 offers brass guns of his own make, described as having a spring mounting “to aid pointing.” 6, 4, and 2 pounder guns were offered. Powder charges were listed in the ad as: 6 pounder: 14 oz. 4 pounder: 10 oz. 2 pounder: 6 oz. The multiple perforations in either side of the breech rest are no doubt part of his unique mounting system. No other Thomas Pyke cannons, complete with original mounting, are known to have survived. Pyke was twice Mayor of Bridgwater and he owned his own bank. Newspaper descriptions mention his manufacture of cannons in 1780, and based on style of markings, cannon dates from this era. The initials of the original owner, “J. B.”, are also finely engraved in 18th century style as seen on photos of chase. PROVENANCE: Craig Nannos; Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall, good bronze patina, measuring 20″ overall with bbl length 15-1/2″, 7″ trunnion to trunnion, bore diameter about 1.5”, iron yoke & rest exhibit iron patina with pitting, markings & decoration are fine, bore is clean & clear, mounted on wood block which is sound & solid. 4-54209 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2103

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
	2103	$8,625.00	FANCY SMALL ENGLISH BRONZE SWIVEL GUN WITH ORIGINAL YOKE, CIRCA 1780. SN NSN. This wonderful little cannon is made and marked by the maker, Thomas Pyke, Bridgwater. Maker’s mark is found on second reinforce and cannon is nicely banded & decorated as seen in photographs. Thomas Pyke of Bridgwater (1740-1829) had an interesting history; in addition to the manufacture of cannons he made bells, clock dials, and chandeliers. He was also an iron monger, and probably made this most interesting yoke which has an integral attached rest. An ad by Pyke in the Western Post Flyer (newspaper,) 1 January, 1781 offers brass guns of his own make, described as having a spring mounting “to aid pointing.” 6, 4, and 2 pounder guns were offered. Powder charges were listed in the ad as: 6 pounder: 14 oz. 4 pounder: 10 oz. 2 pounder: 6 oz. The multiple perforations in either side of the breech rest are no doubt part of his unique mounting system. No other Thomas Pyke cannons, complete with original mounting, are known to have survived. Pyke was twice Mayor of Bridgwater and he owned his own bank. Newspaper descriptions mention his manufacture of cannons in 1780, and based on style of markings, cannon dates from this era. The initials of the original owner, “J. B.”, are also finely engraved in 18th century style as seen on photos of chase. PROVENANCE: Craig Nannos; Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall, good bronze patina, measuring 20″ overall with bbl length 15-1/2″, 7″ trunnion to trunnion, bore diameter about 1.5”, iron yoke & rest exhibit iron patina with pitting, markings & decoration are fine, bore is clean & clear, mounted on wood block which is sound & solid. 4-54209 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2103 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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FANCY SMALL ENGLISH BRONZE SWIVEL GUN WITH ORIGINAL YOKE, CIRCA 1780.