COSTEN CAST STEEL LIFE SAVING CANNON.

SN 2062. This is a scarcely encountered life saving cannon of the early 20th century that is maker marked “COSTEN SIGNAL CO NEW YORK USA”. This was one of the last line throwing cannons to still utilize ignition by a friction primer. This particular manufacturer is not known to have had government contracts and this particular gun was a commercial purchase for ship board use. Maritime regulations of the period required most ocean going vessels to carry such cannon to be prepared for emergency rescues. The basic function of a life saving cannon was to fire a heavy cylindrical shot (17 lbs) to which was attached one end of a strong, light line, which was rigged so as to pay out quickly without fouling. The gun was aimed so the shot went over a distressed ship, laying the line across the deck. The light messenger line was attached to heavier lines, which were hauled aboard the distressed ship and made fast. A “breeches buoy” was then rigged, whereby personnel could be conveyed to the rescuing ship or the beach, one at a time. These small cannons were the most important equipment of the government (U.S. Lifesaving Service) Lifesaving Stations along the coasts of the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. PROVENANCE: Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. 4-54166 JS153 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1434

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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
	1434	$0.00	COSTEN CAST STEEL LIFE SAVING CANNON. SN 2062. This is a scarcely encountered life saving cannon of the early 20th century that is maker marked “COSTEN SIGNAL CO NEW YORK USA”. This was one of the last line throwing cannons to still utilize ignition by a friction primer. This particular manufacturer is not known to have had government contracts and this particular gun was a commercial purchase for ship board use. Maritime regulations of the period required most ocean going vessels to carry such cannon to be prepared for emergency rescues. The basic function of a life saving cannon was to fire a heavy cylindrical shot (17 lbs) to which was attached one end of a strong, light line, which was rigged so as to pay out quickly without fouling. The gun was aimed so the shot went over a distressed ship, laying the line across the deck. The light messenger line was attached to heavier lines, which were hauled aboard the distressed ship and made fast. A “breeches buoy” was then rigged, whereby personnel could be conveyed to the rescuing ship or the beach, one at a time. These small cannons were the most important equipment of the government (U.S. Lifesaving Service) Lifesaving Stations along the coasts of the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. PROVENANCE: Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. 4-54166 JS153 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1434 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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COSTEN CAST STEEL LIFE SAVING CANNON.