HISTORICAL FRENCH MODEL 1786 BRONZE ONE-POUNDER CANNON INSCRIBED “EGALITE, LIBERTE” (EQUALITY & LIBERTY), CAPTURED DURING IRISH REBELLION OF 1798.

SN NSN. This wonderful bronze three stage cannon inscribed “Egalite, Liberte” within a cartouche at breech, signed and dated by maker “Ramus Au Creusot” in 1794. M. Ramus was director of the foundry named Creusot. Le Creusot (Saone-et-Loire) originally set up as “Fonderie Royal” in 1781 was an important maker of cannon, especially for the Navy, and became one of the most important industrial manufacturers by the early 19th century; their cannon are rarely found. This cannon was recovered from the French ship “HOCHE”; a 74 gun French “ship of the line” which was captured by the English squadron in the Irish sea on October 12, 1798 according to a 1981 receipt from Holland & Holland, London. The HOCHE was on its way to assist the United Irishman and Irish volunteers against the British. This vessel’s 74 large cannon were retained & reused by capturing British forces. Wolfe Tone, the leading figure in the “Society of United Irishmen” was captured on this vessel, which was the “coup de grace” for the Irish Rebellion. The British renamed this vessel HMS Donegal in honor of County Donegal where the French attempted to land to support the Irish in the 1798 Rebellion. HOCHE was the flagship of the French Fleet. HMS Donegal being totally refit had an illustrious naval career capturing both French and Spanish vessels including the capture of the AMFITRITE in November 1804 and the RAYO which had escaped Trafalgar October 1801; she served until 1845. Model “1786 Pierrier” is the official name for this popular swivel mounted cannon used world wide in the late 18th century. In 1786 the French formalized the first known ‘model’ of swivel cannon, a brass gun that followed exactly the 1767 pattern then in use for larger guns, except the little 2.0″ caliber Pierrier did away with the vent astragal. Otherwise it is just half-size duplicate of the contemporary French 6-pounder gun.” This particular gun is beautifully marked as can be seen in photos as well as having a great history. PROVENANCE: Holland & Holland 1981, Val Forgett, Jr. Collection, Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Tube is about 40″ overall, with 38″ bbl length and smooth 2″ bore. Trunnion to trunnion distance is about 9″. Cannon is very good to fine overall with rich dark, smooth green patina & discernible markings as can be seen in photos. Cannon is mounted on an old naval style step carriage with wood wheel which is sound, solid and very good overall. 4-54092 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2086

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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
	2086	$9,775.00	HISTORICAL FRENCH MODEL 1786 BRONZE ONE-POUNDER CANNON INSCRIBED “EGALITE, LIBERTE” (EQUALITY & LIBERTY), CAPTURED DURING IRISH REBELLION OF 1798. SN NSN. This wonderful bronze three stage cannon inscribed “Egalite, Liberte” within a cartouche at breech, signed and dated by maker “Ramus Au Creusot” in 1794. M. Ramus was director of the foundry named Creusot. Le Creusot (Saone-et-Loire) originally set up as “Fonderie Royal” in 1781 was an important maker of cannon, especially for the Navy, and became one of the most important industrial manufacturers by the early 19th century; their cannon are rarely found. This cannon was recovered from the French ship “HOCHE”; a 74 gun French “ship of the line” which was captured by the English squadron in the Irish sea on October 12, 1798 according to a 1981 receipt from Holland & Holland, London. The HOCHE was on its way to assist the United Irishman and Irish volunteers against the British. This vessel’s 74 large cannon were retained & reused by capturing British forces. Wolfe Tone, the leading figure in the “Society of United Irishmen” was captured on this vessel, which was the “coup de grace” for the Irish Rebellion. The British renamed this vessel HMS Donegal in honor of County Donegal where the French attempted to land to support the Irish in the 1798 Rebellion. HOCHE was the flagship of the French Fleet. HMS Donegal being totally refit had an illustrious naval career capturing both French and Spanish vessels including the capture of the AMFITRITE in November 1804 and the RAYO which had escaped Trafalgar October 1801; she served until 1845. Model “1786 Pierrier” is the official name for this popular swivel mounted cannon used world wide in the late 18th century. In 1786 the French formalized the first known ‘model’ of swivel cannon, a brass gun that followed exactly the 1767 pattern then in use for larger guns, except the little 2.0″ caliber Pierrier did away with the vent astragal. Otherwise it is just half-size duplicate of the contemporary French 6-pounder gun.” This particular gun is beautifully marked as can be seen in photos as well as having a great history. PROVENANCE: Holland & Holland 1981, Val Forgett, Jr. Collection, Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Tube is about 40″ overall, with 38″ bbl length and smooth 2″ bore. Trunnion to trunnion distance is about 9″. Cannon is very good to fine overall with rich dark, smooth green patina & discernible markings as can be seen in photos. Cannon is mounted on an old naval style step carriage with wood wheel which is sound, solid and very good overall. 4-54092 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2086 Click here to view provenance 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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HISTORICAL FRENCH MODEL 1786 BRONZE ONE-POUNDER CANNON INSCRIBED “EGALITE, LIBERTE” (EQUALITY & LIBERTY), CAPTURED DURING IRISH REBELLION OF 1798.