1784 DATED SPANISH 10″ SIEGE MORTAR FROM MORRO CASTLE, HAVANA.

This cannon was Spanish regulation after 1756 as a result of the reforms as a result of Gribeauval designs. French Cannon started major reform in 1756 with guidance by Gen. John Baptists Vaquette de Gribeauval. Gribeauval’s contribution came from his study of the Prussian system where all cannon were to be mounted on a carriage of a new design with elevation screw and iron axles making the French a more modern artillery and superior. This fact was seen quickly by the Spanish who introduced greater quantity of bronze field cannon of the Gribeauval type including this mortar. These Spanish tubes were produced at Royal Arsenals in the new world, Barcelona, and Seville where this tube was made. Base ring is marked “No 1370 SEVILLA 12 DE AGOSTODE 1784”. Right trunnion shows the weight “P° 1260”. Left trunnion is marked “COBRES / YNGLESY / MEXICO”. This tube has a large Coat of Arms of King Carlos III (who reigned 1759-1788). Mortar is mounted on a correct, orig Spanish mortar bed cast in Havana in 1849. The heavy bronze sideplates have their own set of manufacturing markings “REFs HABa / P° 500 Ls / 1849” which are found engraved on each plate below trunnions. This mortar from the famous old Spanish fort in Havana Harbor known as “Morro Castle”, was sold with other obsolete bronze cannon in 1898 to Benjamin Lissberger of NYC. In the 1925 Francis Bannerman catalog (p. 151) describes the purchase of 500 cannon “Spain holds the record for placing the greatest obstacles in the way of bona fide bidders purchasing at Government auction sales. Just before the evacuation of Cuba in 1898, the Spanish Government by its officers in Havana, offered at Auction hundreds of tons of old Bronze Cannons. The hour at which the bid was to be opened was TWELVE O’CLOCK MIDNIGHT. Bidders were required at this unseemly hour to deposit the sum of $25,000. IN GOLD. It was an American who took the risk, and outbid the Spanish favorite, and was awarded the prize, on which he made a large profit”. This is a fabulous & historic rare bronze cannon of Colonial America. PROVENANCE: Morro Castle, Havana. Benjamin Lissberger, NYC 1898. Morris Family, NYC. Morris Mansion “Malbone”, Newport, RI. Newport Artillery Co., 1980. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection 1998. CONDITION: Bronze tube & carriage very good to fine with heavy bronze patina, markings are very good & easily discerned as seen in photos. The bed has been restored utilizing new walnut transom to replace the deteriorating original. Total weight of cannon & carriage is about 2300 lbs. 4-54236 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2085

Auction: Firearms - March 2015

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
	2085	$63,250.00	1784 DATED SPANISH 10″ SIEGE MORTAR FROM MORRO CASTLE, HAVANA. This cannon was Spanish regulation after 1756 as a result of the reforms as a result of Gribeauval designs. French Cannon started major reform in 1756 with guidance by Gen. John Baptists Vaquette de Gribeauval. Gribeauval’s contribution came from his study of the Prussian system where all cannon were to be mounted on a carriage of a new design with elevation screw and iron axles making the French a more modern artillery and superior. This fact was seen quickly by the Spanish who introduced greater quantity of bronze field cannon of the Gribeauval type including this mortar. These Spanish tubes were produced at Royal Arsenals in the new world, Barcelona, and Seville where this tube was made. Base ring is marked “No 1370 SEVILLA 12 DE AGOSTODE 1784”. Right trunnion shows the weight “P° 1260”. Left trunnion is marked “COBRES / YNGLESY / MEXICO”. This tube has a large Coat of Arms of King Carlos III (who reigned 1759-1788). Mortar is mounted on a correct, orig Spanish mortar bed cast in Havana in 1849. The heavy bronze sideplates have their own set of manufacturing markings “REFs HABa / P° 500 Ls / 1849” which are found engraved on each plate below trunnions. This mortar from the famous old Spanish fort in Havana Harbor known as “Morro Castle”, was sold with other obsolete bronze cannon in 1898 to Benjamin Lissberger of NYC. In the 1925 Francis Bannerman catalog (p. 151) describes the purchase of 500 cannon “Spain holds the record for placing the greatest obstacles in the way of bona fide bidders purchasing at Government auction sales. Just before the evacuation of Cuba in 1898, the Spanish Government by its officers in Havana, offered at Auction hundreds of tons of old Bronze Cannons. The hour at which the bid was to be opened was TWELVE O’CLOCK MIDNIGHT. Bidders were required at this unseemly hour to deposit the sum of $25,000. IN GOLD. It was an American who took the risk, and outbid the Spanish favorite, and was awarded the prize, on which he made a large profit”. This is a fabulous & historic rare bronze cannon of Colonial America. PROVENANCE: Morro Castle, Havana. Benjamin Lissberger, NYC 1898. Morris Family, NYC. Morris Mansion “Malbone”, Newport, RI. Newport Artillery Co., 1980. Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection 1998. CONDITION: Bronze tube & carriage very good to fine with heavy bronze patina, markings are very good & easily discerned as seen in photos. The bed has been restored utilizing new walnut transom to replace the deteriorating original. Total weight of cannon & carriage is about 2300 lbs. 4-54236 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2085 Auction: Firearms - March 2015 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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1784 DATED SPANISH 10″ SIEGE MORTAR FROM MORRO CASTLE, HAVANA.