This mortar has a 5.82 inch bore and is 16 inches long overall and 12 1/2 inches wide at the trunnions. It is marked "No. 45 C. A. & Co. 170 LBS. T.J.R. 1863" around the face of the muzzle and "1410" on the right just ahead of the trunnion. It is on a fine, reproduction bed built to government specs. Cyrus Alger supplied shot and shells to the U.S. Government during the War of 1812 and eventually supplied a large number of artillery pieces to the U.S. Navy and Army during the Civil War. Many examples saw great and hard use the second half of the Civil War, especially in the trenches around Richmond and at Petersburg, VA. This pattern was scarce early on and were unavailable during the Vicksburg campaign in July of 1863 where General Grant lamented the fact that he had no Coehorns. 200 Coehorns were produced after this proclamation by the end of the war. These small artillery pieces could launch explosive ordnance at ranges varying from 20 to 1,200 yards and were able to hit targets concealed in trenches or behind other fortifications and could be moved to where they were needed much faster than traditional artillery and placed near the front of the trench line. They required relatively little powder charges (1/2 pound) making them easier to supply. The most recent sale we could find of a similar gun was for over 33k, without a bed. A wonderful gun, worthy of the finest private or museum collection.

Extremely fine. The cannon has a very attractive and untouched coral blue patina overall with minor marks. The markings are excellent. Bed is in strong condition showing age to its finish which makes it look not only extremely attractive, but appearing to be original.