| Image | Lot | Price | Description |
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1430
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$38,350.00
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HOTCHKISS TWO-POUNDER RIFLED BREECH LOADING MOUNTAIN GUN ON HEAVY FIELD CARRIAGE.SN 201. Bbl measures 46″ with 1.65″ rifled bore. This particular gun is mounted on carriage ready for shooting as this gun has seen live fire in last few years. This gun also has been converted to centerfire where ammunition can be made from casings. Hotchkiss mountain guns were first tested by the U.S. Army in 1881, having been purchased from the famous Hotchkiss Company in Paris. The guns were ideal for use in rugged terrain, such as the West, since the entire weapon weighed only 362 pounds, and could be broken down into parts so that a gun and its ammunition could be transported on three mules. The gun could fire quite rapidly since it was used fixed (but separately primed) ammunition. In fact, this was the first U.S. artillery piece to utilize fixed metallic-cartridge type ammunition. Two basic types of ammunition were issued, explosive shells with impact fuzes, and canister. The former was effective to 3500 yards, and the latter to a few hundred, against personnel or animals. Four of the guns made history on December 29, 1891, and Wounded Knee Creek, Dakota Territory. They had been positioned on a hill near where U.S. Troops were disarming Sioux Indians when firing broke out in the Indian camp. The battery began firing to support the troops. The Sioux lost over 150 of their number, and were so badly beaten that they never fought again. Hotchkiss two-pounders were also used in the Spanish-American war. This particular example made in 1892 and was one of only 57 guns purchased by the U.S. Government and was located in inventory at Rock Island Arsenal in 1903. This is a fine example mounted on a field carriage that has seen extensive shooting and several reloadable cartridges w/lead projectiles accompany this gun. Also accompanying this cannon is an extensive file of all historical and technical details. PROVENANCE: Reilly Gunter Collection. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. Lead deposits in grooves of bore, needs cleaning. Cartridge extractor needs minor repair. Markings are crisp, light pitting under black paint. Carriage is sound and solid with 2 applications of paint. Wood in wheels is finely restored. 4-54097 JS134 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1430 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. |