These 24-pounder flank or "siege and garrison" howitzers were mainly used to defend the flanks of forts and were run by teams of three men. Fifty 24-pounder iron howitzers, divided into a pair of twenty-five piece lots, were purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department from Cyrus Alger & Co. on August 28, 1863, (see "Purchases of cannon, ordnance, projectiles, and small-arms since April 13, 1861, by the Ordnance Department..." page 710), and the company sold over $2,600,000 to the government in April 20, 1861 - March 25, 1867. Several hundred of these howitzers were made in the 1840s-1860s and stationed at various forts around the country, and many remain on display at the forts and historic sites. The muzzle is marked "142" (registry number), "C.A. & Co." (Cyrus Alger & Co.) is on the right trunnion, and "7" on the left trunnion. "US" is marked on top near the trunnions. It is approximately 68 1/4 inches long, 19 1/2 inches wide at the trunnions, and the outer muzzle diameter is approximately 12 inches.

Good, showing mostly the usually brown oxidized patina overall from being exposed to the elements with mostly clear markings. A rare piece of Civil War history to add to your gun room!