FRENCH BRONZE MODEL 1828 12-CM MOUNTAIN HOWITZER.

This French pattern cannon is what the Americans copied in 1835. This particular tube is part of a rare trio of Spanish, French and American mid-19th century bronze mountain howitzers being offered in this collection. I doubt there is another trio like this extant. 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 cannons this cannon was given a name “LE RAPP” which is inscribed 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” fir 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. PROVENANCE: Medal of Honor winner Maj. George E. Albee. 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 and green patinas as can be seen in photos. Markings are crisp and well discerned. 4-54110 JS142 (18,000-22,000) – Lot 1413

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
	1413	$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 part of a rare trio of Spanish, French and American mid-19th century bronze mountain howitzers being offered in this collection. I doubt there is another trio like this extant. 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 cannons this cannon was given a name “LE RAPP” which is inscribed 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” fir 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. PROVENANCE: Medal of Honor winner Maj. George E. Albee. 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 and green patinas as can be seen in photos. Markings are crisp and well discerned. 4-54110 JS142 (18,000-22,000) – Lot 1413 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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FRENCH BRONZE MODEL 1828 12-CM MOUNTAIN HOWITZER.