Though weighing over 1,200 pounds, the 12-pounder Napoleon field guns or "gun-howitzers" were considered light artillery and were the most widely used artillery pieces of the Civil War, and the Revere Copper Co. manufactured more of them than another other foundry, 461 of the roughly 1,157 manufactured in the North during the war (see page 91 of "Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War" by Hazlett). Additional Revere Napoleons appear to have been made for individual states. 36% of the Union artillery pieces at Gettysburg were Napoleons, and 130 Napoleons were used by the Union forces at Antietam. The company was the descendant of Paul Revere's foundry in Boston. The Napoleon 12-pounders could fire solid shot or explosive shells nearly a mile (max range of 1,600+ yards) as well as shot for closer range engagements. They are also historically significant as the last cast bronze cannons used by the U.S. military. The muzzle is marked "No. 385 REVERE COPPER CO 1233 lbs. C.C. 1864" and has a blade front sight. The tube has "U.S." in ornate letters on top near the trunnions. The ornate nature of this marking is one of the distinctive aspects of the Revere guns. The bore at the muzzle measures approximately 4.62 inches, and the bore length is roughly 63 1/2 inches. It is mounted on a Paulson Bros. Ordnance reproduction carriage with a set of accoutrements.

Fine with dark aged patina throughout, some mild wear on the carriage including oxidation on the tires, and general mild wear from age, storage, and period use. Writer's favorite cannon in auction!