Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #82
  • Lot #177
Lot #176
Lot #178

Lot 177: Revere Copper Co. Napoleon 12-Pounder Model 1857 Light Field Gun

Incredible Civil War 1863 Dated Revere Copper Co. Napoleon 12-Pounder Model 1857 Light Field Gun with Field Carriage

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Lot 177: Revere Copper Co. Napoleon 12-Pounder Model 1857 Light Field Gun

Incredible Civil War 1863 Dated Revere Copper Co. Napoleon 12-Pounder Model 1857 Light Field Gun with Field Carriage

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Estimated Price: $70,000 - $110,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Incredible Civil War 1863 Dated Revere Copper Co. Napoleon 12-Pounder Model 1857 Light Field Gun with Field Carriage

Manufacturer: None
Model: None
Type: Other
Gauge:
Barrel:
Finish:
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 7961
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 174
Class: Other
Description:

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. 234 REVERE COPPER CO 1240 lbs. T.J.R. 1863" and has a post 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. A cannon ball marked "LODGED/IN/NAPOLEAN/#243 [sic]" in white paint is included. Include notes state that the barrel was spiked and this ball was lodge halfway down and also reference the Stafford carriage and indicate this Napoleon was fired in competition in June of 2020 at the American Artillery Association and North-South Skirmish Nationals in Winchester, Virginia.

Rating Definition:

Very good with mostly bright tube and mild overall wear such as some general dings and scratches, light oxidation on the iron components, and minimal paint loss. This is a very attractive piece of American Civil War artillery fired just last year!



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1114: U.S. Civil War Ames 1840 Light Artillery Saber with Scabbard

    Lot #300: World War II German Tropical Pattern Field Cap and Satchel

    Lot #153: U.S. Ames Model 1850 Foot Officers Sword Dated 1851

    Lot #613: Presentation U.S. Ames Model 1860 Staff & Field Officers Sword

    Lot #1113: American Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer Sword with Scabbard

    Lot #112: Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer Sword with Inscribed Guard