3021

IRON CANNON ON NAVAL CARRIAGE BELONGING TO CAPTAIN

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
IRON CANNON ON NAVAL CARRIAGE BELONGING TO CAPTAIN

BENJAMIN WEBSTER OF YARMOUTH, MAINE. A British made cannon from the Estate of Captain Benjamin Webster on Chebeague Island. This cannon is accompanied by a book titled, "Autobiography of Benjamin Webster", published in Portland, Maine in 1900. 1.8" Bore. The foundry/serial number is found on the right trunnion but it is obscured by heavy paint and patina. 32” Iron gun, weighing about 125 pounds, with carriage 147 pounds. Barrel is marked “BP & Co” at breech. Bailey & Pegg were largest founders of commercial ship guns in the world. Their heyday was early 19th century when insurance companies such as Lloyds required merchant ships to have cannon. Hence the term “insurance gun” arose. The naval carriage is nautical grade mahogany and was likely made in the late 19th century to replace the aging sea going carriage. All original hardware was used in the construction of the replacement carriage. It is apparent that the original carriage mount pattern was utilized by the shipwright in recreating this exceptional carriage. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: the book titled, "Autobiography of Benjamin Webster" and provenance paperwork from the previous owner. CONDITION: very good overall, painted black over heavy iron patina. Bore is well used with evidence of some pitting. Carriage is quite sound but is missing one bolt from right trunnion cap. PROVENANCE: Ex Bedford Hayes Collection. (02-16705/REF/JS). $2000-3,000.