mini cannon find

[burch]

I found what I think is a Napoleon style cannon at an antique shop. The guys asking $65 for it. It has a nickle plated barrel and is about 12" to 15" long. I`m guessing the barrel`s around 8" to 10" long. It looks in pretty good shape for the most part. The only thing i`m concerned about is the bore and fuse hole have rust in `em. I`m going to take a bore light to get a better look. I`ve owned plenty of blackpowder guns to know rust is bad news. I`m going back today and have a better look at it and was wondering ( since i`ve never owned a cannon before ) if it was worth buying at that price and if it can be cleaned out good enough to shoot. I`m guessing accuracy isn`t much of an issue and if I can clean it up pretty good will it be worth getting ?
Burch :grin:

 

[buzz]

there was some italian and spanish mimi cannon made
surface rust not a worry if pitted i pass but the asking price sound reasonable
get a pic
remember most antique shop gguys ealsy go down 10 to 15%

 

[Pork Chop]

If you don't buy it, let me know. I want one of those!

 

[burch]

I went ahead and bought it. I got it out the door for $51.00. I`m in the process of refinishing it. Most of the hardware and barrel came out pretty good. I`ve got the inside of the bore soaking in white vinegar and she`s bubbling as we speak. I let the first soaking stand over night and i`m already seeing a big difference. I`ll post some before and after pics when I get it done. I have no idea what size the bore is or the process to load it so i`ll be picking ya`ll`s brains on that. The only markings on it is: MADE IN SPAIN. I`m guessing it`s 36 to 44 cal. Some of the parts i`ll have to make, like the loading rod, mop rod etc. I might have some stuff I can used in my blackpowder box. This thing is really cool, i`ve always wanted one and couldn`t pass on the price.
Burch :thumbsup:

 

[Pork Chop]

I am jealous. Great find!

 

[burch]

Where can I find parts and supplies ?

 

[mazo kid]

Check the first "sticky" at the head of this forum!!!

 

[burch]

I`ve got a lot of different opinions on if this a firing or non firing cannon. I have no idea and was hoping the pics would clear it all up. These are before and after the refinishing process.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[matt denison]

That's a cutie.

Bore looks like h311 but for spitting little round balls I don't think it will matter. It may not be designed to shoot anyway. The way it attaches to the carraige looks a little flimsy. I wouldn't put more than a couple of grains in it and try a ball to see if it will even load in that variable calliber bore. The powder is only to get it out afterwards. :rotf:

 

[bwhoffman]

i'm in the non firing clan.

 

[Pork Chop]

The bore is crappy, but it should be fine for blanks. The trunnion mounts are the same as the ones for the CVA Old Ironsides that I have. It is a shooter, so I don't see a problem with this one going bang. That being said, I am no expert...

 

[buzz]

my two cents is non firing that ore is horriable
im also in agreement on the trunnions being weak
this would be ok for salute or blank charges
of course this is just my opinion

 

The non-firing model cannons that I have seen had the trunnions fitted into a hole bored sideways through the barrel. Yours looks like the trunnions are cast into the barrel. If it were me, I would shoot it with a light charge and a long fuse.

 

[gordy]

Hello again Burch! Don't forget to keep us posted as to what you decide to try ! :hmm: :thumbsup: