This heavy wall gun is pictured on page 96 and discussed on page 97 of "The United States Cartridge Co. Collection of Firearms." It is identified as: "Dutch Flint-lock Wall-piece, cal. 96 It has a spur on the barrel near the muzzle. This is used for catching it on the outer wall or edge of the porthole to check the recoil when the gun is fired. From an old fort in Amsterdam, Holland." It is marked with "GL 8" on the top of the barrel, the collection inventory number "1121" behind the lock plate and above left side plate, and "C W/G H / 12" on the right side of the butt. It has a large brass blade front sight, "wedding bands" cut in the barrel towards the rear and at the breech, a thick barrel hook, brass furniture, and a heavy teak or walnut stock. The overall weight is 22 pounds 3 ounces. Heavy guns like this were used primarily in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries to defend fortified positions. As note, this example was used in a fort in Amsterdam. It likely saw use in the wars of the 18th century with England and France. Similar weapons were used around the world including in the far reaches of the British Empire and against the British by the Americans during the Revolutionary War. George Washington conducted tests that suggested a well made and properly loaded wall gun with a skilled gunner could strike a paper sized target at 600 yards. Their range was aided by their long, heavy barrels which allowed for a longer sighting plain, enough room for heavy powder charges to combust, and greater stability. The larger balls (1inch in this case) were also more stable. As note, the barrel hooks help prevent the massive recoil from being entirely transferred into the shooter.

Fine overall. Most of the crisp iron surfaces have a blend of mild pitting and brown and gray patina. The lock has several empty taps visible under the frizzen spring. The brass components have an attractive dark aged patina. The lightly sanded and re-oiled stock is very good with crisp edges and has some small arsenal repairs and minor cracks in the grain. It is mechanically excellent. Very few wall guns have survived over the years.