An extremely rare Unites States Navy One-Pound Turret Cannon, this is a naval artifact of a type almost never available. The gun is marked “Driggs Ord. Co. Inc. N.Y. CITY 1 PDR MOUNT MARK II NO 5 1897. Wt.235Lbs.” The brass yoke collar is marked “FOR 1 PDR GUN ORD. DEPT W, NY 1898.” The weapon is set into a steel pylon base that bolts to its preferred surface. Such cannons were in place in the Spanish-American War and beyond, seeing use as coastal and ship board defense against torpedo boats and other hostile vessels. Many were later put into anti-aircraft service.

This precision cannon has its external sighting hardware in place, and the breech loading mechanism is in perfect working order. The barrel is rifled and in excellent condition. With a reported accurate range of 1000 yards and beyond, with an 11 degree elevation such barrels are reported to shoot up to 3,500 yards. Each round of ammo, made by Winchester Arms of New York, measured 37 x 137 mm and would pack approximately .15 pound of black powder and TNT mixed. Several companies made one of the 15 editions of this style One-Pound Cannon, including Hotchkiss and Maxim-Nodenfeldt, as well as Driggs-Schroeder. A big plus is the original ammunition crate with 18 inert rounds, and a second box with more cartridges without powder or primers. Yes, we believe it is legal to fire in safe settings, as it is a breech-load gun made prior to the 1899 convention date.

11 inches wide x 7 1/16 inches high.

A rare and impressive whaling gun from the earliest period of firearm innovation in the fishing industry, this English Whaling Harpoon Gun is a stout and serious instrument that revolutionized whaling. Made by George Wallis of Hull, he is recognized as the first successful maker of the swivel-mounted harpoon gun, circa 1800. The author William Scoresby indicates this period to have been 1772-1792, while other later sources credit the invention to 1800-1815.

When originally made, this Wallis gun had two flintlock hammers that worked off a single trigger, and have long ago been converted to two dual-percussion cap hammers, that would have lanyard triggers threaded out the locks to be fired simultaneously, ensuring the firing of the harpoon. With a full charge, it had an accurate range up to 40 yards. The name Wallis of Hull is on the iron barrel, amongst the heavy aged pitting, deep rust and signs of use under an old remnant of black oil paint. The left brass hammer compartment is marked “SHIP”.

Owning a deadly presence, the gun barrel is a stout 30½ inches in length with a 2½ inch diameter with a 1¾ inch bore, while the overall harpoon gun is 43¼ inches, plus the split-shaft barbed harpoon with ring for line attachment. The English Society of the Arts had paid premiums to whalemen and artisans in the 1790s and early 1800s for those showing innovation and improvement in the use of the guns and harpoons. When William Greener substantially changed the design and powder of this type of harpoon gun in 1837, the new styles became known as Greener guns. This older gun was kept in use during this period, as indicated by its conversion.

This heavy brass mortar, set on its wooden truck and iron wheels, is an artillery artifact that would have been capable of saving or taking lives. Classified a life-saving line throwing device, the 80 kalibre barrel (3⅛ inch bore) would have made for a devastating close range cannon. The rather unique shape of the barrel, with heavy reducing reinforces tapering down to the muzzle would have used and withstood a significant amount of black powder to hurl a lifeline to those in need.

The cannon most likely saw a multiple purpose use, possibly as a signaling device and saluting cannon. Cast by a premier artillery maker of Germania, H.G. Cordes of Wesermünde, circa 1860, one of the 19th Century’s leading innovators of whaling guns and harpoons as well. This bronze barrel measures 23½ inches in length with a 3⅛ inch bore centered in the 5⅜ inch muzzle diameter. The trunnions are 3 inch diameter solid cast as well. The carriage measures 29½ inches and was a pair of iron wheels to maneuver. It also has its original wood barrel plug, with bronze loop. A very rare and strikingly different looking cannon.

Dimensions: 19 1/2 inches high x 17 1/4 inches wide x 15 1/2 inches deep.

Size: Saucer: 5 3/8 " wide x 1 1/4" deep- Cup: 4" Wide x 2 3/8" deep.