ITEM # 201
serial #865. This is a very fine three-inch ordnance rifle. The muzzle face is marked "No.865" and the "P.I.Co." of Phoenix Iron Company. The face is dated "1865" and is U.S. inspector marked "S.C.L.", the tube weight marked on the face is "816 Lbs ". The right trunnion is marked "Dec. 9th 1862/patented" while the left trunnion is marked "Phoenix/Iron Co.". There is a very nice "U.S." marking on the top of the barrel between the trunnions. The barrel shows an old black repaint with very minor casting pits. The front sight is present, the breech area, behind the vent hole shows a mount for a pendulum hausse (gunner's sight). The bore shows seven lands and grooves, and rates about very good at the muzzle. As is so common with most all of these iron tube guns, this example shows moderate and heavy oxidation about a quarter of the way down the tube, continuing to the breech (this caused by moisture and debris sitting in the bottom of the tube--most of these guns sat outdoors for many many years before being rescued). The tube is carried by an older reproduction field carriage. Much of the hardware appears original, however some may be contemporary to the carriage. The carriage shows minor cracking and some shrinking with age but is very solid. The wheels are olive drab, while the cheeks and trace are more of a forest green. The metal hardware is all black. The gun comes with two rammer/sponges and one worm, as well as two hand spikes, both are a little large for the rear pointing ring. No tar bucket nor prolonge rope is present. Dimensions: the wrought iron tube is about 71" long with an overall length of 11' 6 ". The widest point at the tips of the axles is about 81" with an overall wheel height of just over 56". Trunnion diameter is 3 5/8". At only 5° elevation the 3" ordnance rifle would shoot well over a mile, further with more elevation. Most of the available range of these guns was lost, as the gunners of the day, could only shoot as far as they could see. Indirect fire, the forward observer and artillery spotter being things of coming conflicts. Overall this is a very fine example of the 3" ordnance rifle, a gun more endeared it to its users than the Parrots as they were made of stronger wrought iron without necessity for the breech reinforce. (2004-2) {ANTIQUE} (35,000/55,000) |
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