RARE AND HISTORICAL CHINESE BRONZE RIFLED HOWITZER MADE UNDER VICEROY LI HONGZHANG.

SN 208. This cannon was originally captured from Boxers in Peking in 1901 as a trophy by Allied forces. This rifled cannon was made to shoot studded shells of the “La Hite system” developed by Antoine Treville de Beaulieu in 1858. It is quite well made circa 1870 with Chinese inscription that states cannon was made during the time Li Hongzhang was modernizing the Chinese military. He quelled several major rebellions and served in many important positions on the Imperial Court, including the premier Viceroy of Zhili and later the Minister of Beiyang. Hongzhang had a long military career working his way through different posts to come to such a high position. Li was involved in conflicts with Russia, Korea and Japan and held diplomatic posts late in his life and served as the Chinese representative to the Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia in 1896. There are several books written concerning his life that can be researched for more complete biography. Howitzer measures 32” and about 38” overall including cascabel and weighs 275 lbs. Long inscription measures 20” on top of bbl and both trunnions are also marked. A brass breech sight bracket is attached with four bolts and a small iron blade is embedded in rimbase above right trunnion. Bore measures 3.8” (96mm) with 6-lands and grooves. Has rifling similar to that of a British Armstrong for lead studded shells, of which a fine inert orig “La Hite” projectile is included for display. This is the only example we can find of this rare rifled bronze cannon, however there is one on display in a Beijing Military Museum but a photograph of it cannot be located. PROVENANCE: Reuben Dimally, Val Forgett Collections. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, cleaned with mottled polish patina. Markings are all well discernible and a “208” is found on top of sight bracket. Bore is clear and clean. 4-54142 JS255 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1419

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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
	1419	$11,500.00	RARE AND HISTORICAL CHINESE BRONZE RIFLED HOWITZER MADE UNDER VICEROY LI HONGZHANG. SN 208. This cannon was originally captured from Boxers in Peking in 1901 as a trophy by Allied forces. This rifled cannon was made to shoot studded shells of the “La Hite system” developed by Antoine Treville de Beaulieu in 1858. It is quite well made circa 1870 with Chinese inscription that states cannon was made during the time Li Hongzhang was modernizing the Chinese military. He quelled several major rebellions and served in many important positions on the Imperial Court, including the premier Viceroy of Zhili and later the Minister of Beiyang. Hongzhang had a long military career working his way through different posts to come to such a high position. Li was involved in conflicts with Russia, Korea and Japan and held diplomatic posts late in his life and served as the Chinese representative to the Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia in 1896. There are several books written concerning his life that can be researched for more complete biography. Howitzer measures 32” and about 38” overall including cascabel and weighs 275 lbs. Long inscription measures 20” on top of bbl and both trunnions are also marked. A brass breech sight bracket is attached with four bolts and a small iron blade is embedded in rimbase above right trunnion. Bore measures 3.8” (96mm) with 6-lands and grooves. Has rifling similar to that of a British Armstrong for lead studded shells, of which a fine inert orig “La Hite” projectile is included for display. This is the only example we can find of this rare rifled bronze cannon, however there is one on display in a Beijing Military Museum but a photograph of it cannot be located. PROVENANCE: Reuben Dimally, Val Forgett Collections. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, cleaned with mottled polish patina. Markings are all well discernible and a “208” is found on top of sight bracket. Bore is clear and clean. 4-54142 JS255 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1419 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 HISTORICAL CHINESE BRONZE RIFLED HOWITZER MADE UNDER VICEROY LI HONGZHANG.