The 3.2-inch Model 1897 Field Gun (81 mm) was the main light artillery weapon used by the U.S. military during the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War and was designed at the Watervliet Arsenal. They were also used in the Boxer Rebellion and for training through World War I. They are essentially an updated smokeless powder variation of the Model 1885 and 1890 Field Guns which were designed for black powder. It was not a quick firing design and still required separate bagged powder charges, and thus, the Model 1897's service life was relatively short as they were replaced by the quick firing 3-inch U.S. Model 1902 Field Gun which utilized fixed ammunition. They were essentially obsolete by 1905. It simply utilized wheel brakes to compensate for recoil unlike the French Model 1897 that was used by U.S. forces in Europe during World War I. Government sources indicate 362 3.2 Inch Field Guns were planned to be completed as of 1899, including examples that were originally Model 1890s that were modified to Model 1897 configuration and 100 Model 1885s. As few as only 262 Model 1890s and 1897s were completed. They were used for a variety of ammunition types primarily against enemy personnel. They are very rarely found in the private market or private collections. The muzzle of the rifled barrel on this Model 1897 field gun is marked "WATERVLIET ARSENAL 1898/829 LBS. No. 209 J.W.J." The trunnions has the model marking. The barrel is also marked "US" on the top. It is painted green overall and has 58 inch wheels. The carriage has "No 210/MODEL OF1898/ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL/1899" plaque and a "210" marking below the right side of the trail.

Very fine as professionally restored overall with mild wear including oxidation on the wheel rims.