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CIVIL WAR BRONZE MOUNTAIN HOWITZER WITH EXTREMELY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:37,500.00 USD Estimated At:75,000.00 - 125,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR BRONZE MOUNTAIN HOWITZER WITH EXTREMELY

RARE ORIGINAL CARRIAGE AND CAISSON. Registry #88, 12 pounder. 12 pounder mountain howitzers were used to great effect in many engagements in the Mexican War, Civil War, & Indian Wars. It was the workhorse of mobile troops, especially cavalry. Used to fire only anti-personnel ammunition including explosive shell, case shot, or canister. This a beautiful 1863 dated US model 1835 mountain howitzer & is the only one surviving on an original prairie carriage & caisson according to the accompanying letter of provenance. Inspected "ABD" (Alexander B. Dyer) on muzzle along w/ weight "225" pounds, "AMCo" (Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Mass), registry "No 88". Foundry number “108” stamped on the right rim base. Ames, America’s preeminent cannon maker manufactured only 112 mountain howitzers during the Civil War & this is among the best. Most survivors are in parks & museum collections. PROVENANCE: donated to Fort William Henry Harrison, Terre Haute, IN 1916; property bought by BPOE and became Elks Ft. Harrison Country Club; ex-Ken Watterson collection; ex Hank Williams, Jr collection; private North Georgia collection. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter of provenance from Hank Williams Jr. CONDITION: very good overall w/ restoration to damaged wood & new paint. Good markings on muzzle & rim base other than inspector “ABD” which is weak. Brass exhibits yellow mustard bronze patina, numerous small nicks & scratches which do not affect aesthetics. (02-15493/JS). $75,000-125,000.