This is an excellent original early Winchester 1901 Patent 10 Gauge Black Powder Signal Cannon. The 10 gauge, Winchester Breech Loading Signal Cannon was designed and patented by Charles H. Griffith for the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1901. The cannon were first offered for sale in the March 1903 Winchester Catalogue. These cannon emitted loud noise and smoke & were used to start yacht races. A copy of articles on these cannon detailing their development, specifications and use accompanies the cannon. The steel cannon barrel of our example is 12” long and has the rare 1904-1907 early muzzle barrel diameter of 1” which changed to 1 ¼” diameter in 1908 (introduced to replace the earlier, rarer 1” muzzle diameter which were often damaged by being mishandled in transit when users picked up the cannon by the rear of the carriage causing muzzles often to make contact with the floor). The muzzle of our example is undamaged & its smooth bore has light staining & residue consistent with age & use. The metal work of the carriage has even patina. The barrel and trunnion numbers have matching numbers ‘852’. The breach mechanism with hinged hatch and hammer mechanism is in working order and it has original draw cord with wood toggle attached. These cannon are for blank cartridges only and “NOT FOR BALL” (this warning message is stamped on the barrel). The barrel has the Winchester manufacturer detail and calibre (illustrated). The cast iron wheeled carriage has correct cast markings “W. R. A. Co, Trade Mark, Registered in U. S. A.”. The price for this rare cannon includes UK delivery. NB As an antique, obsolete calibre black powder signal cannon no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. A 1010 (armoury floor)
£1,295.00