2127

$2,300.00

UNIQUE WORKING INVENTOR’S MODEL OF BREECHLOADING CANNON BY NATHAN THOMPSON 1872.

Nathan Thompson’s “rolling breech-block” is listed in the U.S. Chief of Ordnance Report for 1872. Thompson had proposed and submitted drawings of his breechloading cannon, which appear in this 1872 report, and his design was originally for a 12″ dia. gun weighing over 35 tons. The price of 2 guns was set at $220,000, but his complex sear and massive gun was never made, though recommendations were made to manufacture an 8″ iron & steel model for testing. Mechanism works quite nicely including extractor which is a separate knob on the left of the breech; breech is operated by a bar on top which turns clockwise, opens breech, and knob on breech is pulled back to cock to shoot possibly a 20 ga. shotgun shell. This model is extremely well made, brass or bronze and silver plated, and finely engraved on top of breech “INVENTED BY NATHAN THOMPSON, MARINE ENGINEER, BROOKLYN NY, 1872”. PROVENANCE: Springfield Arsenal, LLC Artillery Collection. CONDITION: Cannon is very good to fine overall with clear markings, retaining most of its orig silver plating, though bubbling and worn through in areas. Gun is mounted on a mahogany “Strong” style carriage with working elevation. Mechanically this gun works fine with mechanism being brass with patina and iron with iron patina. Carriage is sound & solid, and presents this rarity quite well. Model is 16″ overall x about 7″ w, tube & breech about 12″ l, and weighs 13.5 lbs. 4-54163 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 2127

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Auction: Firearms - March 2015

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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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