These unique rifled artillery pieces were invented by Norman Wiard and were made from cast "semi-steel" initially, and later from conventional iron to reduce costs. Wiard also designed these cannons' distinct carriages which were designed to use readily interchangeable parts. Approximately 60 Wiard rifles were manufactured c. 1861-1862. These are split between various calibers. Of these, around 24 of the 6-Pounders are known to survive, mainly at battlefields and historic sites. They were long reported as manufactured at O'Donnell's Foundry in New York City, however, more recent research has suggested they were made by other contractors. In "Revealing the Makers of the Wiard Rifle" in "Artilleryman Magazine" Vol. 36, No. 3, Capt. (ret.) Steven W. Knott of the U.S. Navy demonstrates that "The American Annual Cyclopedia" from 1861 indicates the steel was made by rolling mills in Troy, N.Y., and Trenton, N.J., and the tubes were forged by Tugnot & Dally of New York and then bored by Plass & Co. (Carpenter & Plass). Knott indicates that the details are also confirmed in a letter from March 14, 1863, from William L. Miller of Carpenter & Plass to the Ordnance Bureau, and Tugnot & Dally ran the Franklin Forge, then "one of the largest steam-powered hammer forges in the world." Relatively little is known about these scarce artillery pieces in actual combat, but the 6-pounders had an incredibly effective range of up to 7,000 yards, and some are reported to have been used by Major General Daniel Sickles' "Excelsior Brigade", and at the Battle of Stones River and Shiloh by the Ohio Light Artillery. This example has a globe type front sight, a modern elevation and drift adjustable rear sight, no visible markings, a carriage with Paulson Bros. Ordnance Corp. markings on the front of the trunnion plates, absent circular plaque on the left front of the axle that was likely a Paulson Bros. Ordnance Corp. maker plaque, and is also accompanied by a caisson with large white letters that read "US/6Pdr/WIARD".

Very good, retains most of the black painted finish overall extensive pitting with some areas of flaking. The carriage and caisson are both also fine.