RARE AND HISTORIC 24-POUNDER SEACOAST CANNON CAPTURED FROM CONFEDERATE FORCES AT FORT MCREE, FLORIDA.

SN 40. This 1837 dated regulation US model 1819 seacoast gun is listed as Ft. Pitt Foundry made February 15, 1837 weighing 5,528 lbs and inspected “R.L.B.” (Rufus Lathrup Baker). This was the standard siege or seacoast cannon at many American antebellum forts. This gun was part of the armament at Ft. McRee on the eastern end of Perdido Key used to defend Pensacola Bay, the three tiered fort was completed in 1839 and this 1837 dated cannon was probably among its first. After Florida seceded the fort’s commander Lt. Adam Slemmer abandoned McRee, burning 20,000 pounds of powder before Confederates could take it over (note 1861 photograph of Confederates in Ft. McRee with this cannon or one of the other model 1819s). Starting on the morning of November 22, 1861 Ft. McRee was bombarded heavily by USS Niagara, USS Richmond and large guns at Ft. Pickens. Initially returning heavy fire, the Confederates were able to hold their own and caused heavy damage to USS Richmond from cannon fire causing it to retreat for repairs. However the combined efforts of the two ships and land battery lead to the Ft. McRee falling silent by 5pm. Colonel John B. Villepique advised General Bragg that his position was heavily exposed and half of his guns had been dismounted. At 10am November 23 the Niagara resumed its attack on Ft. McRee as did the cannons at Ft. Pickens. Guns at Ft. McRee were unable to respond. Although Ft. McRee survived the attack it was severely damaged. Large chunks were blown away while other portions had holes shot clean through by cannon projectiles. Most of the wood decking within the fort was destroyed and six Confederates died. The guns of Ft. McRee would not be used again. When Pensacola fell in May of 1862 McRee was abandoned and burned. It is quite rare to be able to identify a particular gun to a particular action but there is little doubt this gun saw heavy action in this opening action of the Civil War in Florida. Lt. Louis A. de Barth Walbach inspected cannons using his specialized scientific method at forts all over the United States and grading guns as to the quality of their metal. The National Archives has his manuscript ledger Final Report of the Examination of the Quality of Cast Iron Cannon In Service dated June 1847, which show this cannon listed by SN being at Ft. McRee, FL prior to the war. His testing left about a 2″ impression where metal was removed from the muzzle face as can be seen in photos between SN and inspector marks. *SPECIAL NOTE* This cannon is not at our facilities. It currently resides on the front lawn of John Morris’ home in Springfield, VA, 703-309-0228. It is illustrated and described here and can only be viewed at the above address. If you wish to view it, please call John Morris to set up a mutually convenient appointment to examine. Mr. Morris also has an extraordinary depth of knowledge of cannons in general and in addition to viewing the cannon in person, it will provide you an opportunity to speak with him and access any information that may be helpful to you regarding the cannon. This cannon will stay on Mr. Morris’ lawn until such time the winning bidder has paid for his purchase and made arrangements for the pickup of the cannon. Mr. Morris is experienced in moving heavy cannons and will advise and assist buyer or buyer’s carrier in loading them on vehicles for highway transportation. To repeat, this cannon cannot be previewed at the auction site. PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Aberdeen, MS. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall with pitting. Markings are clear and crisp as can be seen in photos. Muzzle face marked “R.L.B” and “No.40”. Left trunnion is dated 1837, right trunnion is marked “McC,W&Co” / “P.P.F.”. Top of tube between trunnions marked “U.S.”. Cannon has thick coating of black paint. 4-54189 JS160 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1393

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

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
	1393	$17,250.00	RARE AND HISTORIC 24-POUNDER SEACOAST CANNON CAPTURED FROM CONFEDERATE FORCES AT FORT MCREE, FLORIDA. SN 40. This 1837 dated regulation US model 1819 seacoast gun is listed as Ft. Pitt Foundry made February 15, 1837 weighing 5,528 lbs and inspected “R.L.B.” (Rufus Lathrup Baker). This was the standard siege or seacoast cannon at many American antebellum forts. This gun was part of the armament at Ft. McRee on the eastern end of Perdido Key used to defend Pensacola Bay, the three tiered fort was completed in 1839 and this 1837 dated cannon was probably among its first. After Florida seceded the fort’s commander Lt. Adam Slemmer abandoned McRee, burning 20,000 pounds of powder before Confederates could take it over (note 1861 photograph of Confederates in Ft. McRee with this cannon or one of the other model 1819s). Starting on the morning of November 22, 1861 Ft. McRee was bombarded heavily by USS Niagara, USS Richmond and large guns at Ft. Pickens. Initially returning heavy fire, the Confederates were able to hold their own and caused heavy damage to USS Richmond from cannon fire causing it to retreat for repairs. However the combined efforts of the two ships and land battery lead to the Ft. McRee falling silent by 5pm. Colonel John B. Villepique advised General Bragg that his position was heavily exposed and half of his guns had been dismounted. At 10am November 23 the Niagara resumed its attack on Ft. McRee as did the cannons at Ft. Pickens. Guns at Ft. McRee were unable to respond. Although Ft. McRee survived the attack it was severely damaged. Large chunks were blown away while other portions had holes shot clean through by cannon projectiles. Most of the wood decking within the fort was destroyed and six Confederates died. The guns of Ft. McRee would not be used again. When Pensacola fell in May of 1862 McRee was abandoned and burned. It is quite rare to be able to identify a particular gun to a particular action but there is little doubt this gun saw heavy action in this opening action of the Civil War in Florida. Lt. Louis A. de Barth Walbach inspected cannons using his specialized scientific method at forts all over the United States and grading guns as to the quality of their metal. The National Archives has his manuscript ledger Final Report of the Examination of the Quality of Cast Iron Cannon In Service dated June 1847, which show this cannon listed by SN being at Ft. McRee, FL prior to the war. His testing left about a 2″ impression where metal was removed from the muzzle face as can be seen in photos between SN and inspector marks. *SPECIAL NOTE* This cannon is not at our facilities. It currently resides on the front lawn of John Morris’ home in Springfield, VA, 703-309-0228. It is illustrated and described here and can only be viewed at the above address. If you wish to view it, please call John Morris to set up a mutually convenient appointment to examine. Mr. Morris also has an extraordinary depth of knowledge of cannons in general and in addition to viewing the cannon in person, it will provide you an opportunity to speak with him and access any information that may be helpful to you regarding the cannon. This cannon will stay on Mr. Morris’ lawn until such time the winning bidder has paid for his purchase and made arrangements for the pickup of the cannon. Mr. Morris is experienced in moving heavy cannons and will advise and assist buyer or buyer’s carrier in loading them on vehicles for highway transportation. To repeat, this cannon cannot be previewed at the auction site. PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Aberdeen, MS. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall with pitting. Markings are clear and crisp as can be seen in photos. Muzzle face marked “R.L.B” and “No.40”. Left trunnion is dated 1837, right trunnion is marked “McC,W&Co” / “P.P.F.”. Top of tube between trunnions marked “U.S.”. Cannon has thick coating of black paint. 4-54189 JS160 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1393 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 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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RARE AND HISTORIC 24-POUNDER SEACOAST CANNON CAPTURED FROM CONFEDERATE FORCES AT FORT MCREE, FLORIDA.