3088

Iron Bodied Muzzle Loading Mortar with Sled

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Iron Bodied Muzzle Loading Mortar with Sled
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Iron Bodied Muzzle Loading Mortar with Sled

Following after the overall design of the Coehorn-pattern mortar used on both sides of the Civil War, this mortar and it's sled are both solid iron construction, with the mortar measuring 12 inches long overall, with a 6 1/2 inch diameter on the face, dual reinforcing bands, a 2 inch wide and 9 1/2 inch long trunnion at the base, a bore diameter of 2 3/4 inches and a bore depth of roughly 9 inches including the powder chamber, and the sled measuring 23 1/2 inches long and 10 1/4 inches wide, with a threaded elevation adjustment screw at the front. The face of the muzzle is marked "No. 4", "156" and "W.K.", and the top of the cannon is marked "A.B.R. & CO. MISS." on the reinforcing band ahead of the touch hole. Notes from the consignor attribute the markings to Abram Breech Reading, a Vicksburg land owner and owner of an iron and bronze foundry, who is reported to have been in business with his brother manufacturing ordnance for the Confederacy, producing at least 45 cannons, both smoothbore and rifled, before leasing their equipment to the Atlanta Arsenal. The notes further speculate that the mortar may have been used as an emergency signal; the Reading foundry was positioned in the northern part of the city, on the Mississippi waterfront, and would be in position to spot approaching Union "brown water" ironclad gunboats. The final Confederate fortress-city on the Mississippi, the fall of the city by siege was the final step in securing Union dominion over the river. We cannot verify the piece, but feel that it is quite unique no matter when it was made. Needs further research.

Manufucture: None
Model: None
BBL:
Stock:
Guage:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:

Very good overall, showing a deep brown patina overall, with scattered light spotting and handling marks. The sled, a possible later production item, is in matching condition. The vent hole and the powder chamber are open, though the mortar has not been tested under pressure. A unique addition to a gun room!