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U.S. Model 1857 Light Field Gun
The muzzle is marked “No. 207 H.N.H. Co. 1233 lbs./T.J.R. 1863” indicating this is the 207th gun made by Henry N. Hooper on contract, it weighs 1233 lbs., inspection initials of Ordnance Officer Thomas Jefferson Rodman, and dated 1863. The tube has “U.S.” in ornate letters on top in between
the trunnions, and marked “227” at the top edge of the right trunnion. Two cannon balls are currently wedged in the breech end
of the barrel. Includes a later extensively restored carriage with a circular brass makers plaque that reads “PHELPS PARKE & CO./ PITTSBURGH PA.” around the date “1863”, accoutrements, and caisson with wood chest and an extended pole at the front of the caisson for attaching to livestock painted
“F. BANNERMAN/NEW YORK” in stencil. The
copper lid of the chest contains a period paper label on the underside titled “TABLE OF FIRE. LIGHT 12-POUNDER GUN. MODEL 1857.” and illustrating the different capabilities of ranges in yards with shell or shot at specified elevations. CONDITION: Fine with attractive aged golden patina on the brass, a repaired vent hole, sharp US marking, and mostly legible muzzle markings with some period muzzle wear. Two cannon balls are currently lodged inside the breech end as noted above. Carriage and caisson are both fine with light occasional paint chips, and attractive
aged patina on the copper lid and chest with a nice paper label inside. A fantastic piece of artillery
that would make an excellent addition to any U.S. Martial or Civil War collection!
Estimate: 75,000 - 125,000
Collector’s Fact
Of the approximately 1,157 U.S. Model 1857 Light Field Guns manufactured for the U.S. Army, approximately 370 were produced by Henry N. Hooper & Co. This is one of six different contracted manufacturers during the Civil War.
NOTICE 2 CANNON BALLS ARE CURRENTLY WEDGED IN THE BREECH END OF THE BARREL
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