Model field gun

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 01-05-2015, 08:25 PM

I wasn't sure where to put this one to be honest. Its not yet in my possession - I'm still negotiating. Being a former gunner, I found this model quite interesting. Although I am only working off the supplied pictures, it appears to be a working model of a typical Boer War or even very early WW1 type of naval gun converted to field use. It weighs just under 2Kg, the barrel is 220mm long and has a measured bore at the front of 8mm. Overall length is 280mm, width 130mm. Diameter of wheels is 100mm. Material appears to be bronze and steel.

The breech block rotates and locks in place, and the firing pin can be seen. I would suspect that the flat bar across the back of the breech block is sprung steel to activate the firing pin.

The seller thinks that it might be trench art, but I think it is too well made for that. Can anyone shed any light on it? Has anyone seen one before?

**37Webbing** · 01-05-2015, 08:32 PM

I have never seen anything like it before.
But I like it a lot! Certainly something I would love to have.

**MAP** · 01-05-2015, 08:35 PM

No way is this trench art IMHO. It appears that it was designed to actually shoot something (blanks?)

I like it!

**robin morley** · 01-05-2015, 08:37 PM

Very nice and very well constructed. Would say that it is not trench art as would need specialist and well calibrated tools to produce. I have two questions though, can you fire it and if so would you require a certificate to own it. I would love one would be great to fire it on the lawn for special occasions.

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 01-05-2015, 08:45 PM

by robin morley

Very nice and very well constructed. Would say that it is not trench art as would need specialist and well calibrated tools to produce. I have two questions though, can you fire it and if so would you require a certificate to own it. I would love one would be great to fire it on the lawn for special occasions.

That's a difficult question to answer at the moment. I'm certainly of the opinion that it was built to fire blanks, but if the diameter of the bore at the breech end is anything like my other model field gun - you are unlikely to get .38 blank in it, and it would need to be a rimmed cartridge too. So that would rule out 9mm. I would think that it is WW1 period or earlier too. I doubt if it would attract the attention of John law if they were inspecting my premises. And after all - you're not likely to rob a bank with it are you?

**bigmacglenn** · 01-05-2015, 08:59 PM

This is a Carbide Cannon...Google it and you'll see what I'm referring to...
cheers, Glenn

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 01-05-2015, 09:22 PM

I would have to disagree with you on that Glenn. The breech mechanism is too complex for a toy cannon. When the breech is swung shut there is a lever to rotate and lock it in place as on the full size gun. The firing pin can be seen in the face of the breech too. I did look at the carbide guns earlier - but quickly ruled out that theory!

Cheers,
Steve.

**bigmacglenn** · 01-05-2015, 09:33 PM

Thanks for that, Steve! Now I'm thinking of adding something like this to my collection, lol...would look good at the foot of my curio cabinet, lol...
cheers, Glenn

**HARRY THE MOLE** · 01-05-2015, 09:36 PM

I don't own it yet Glenn! It isn't cheap either - but I think well-worth the asking price. Such well-made pieces don't come up for sale too often.

Cheers,
Steve.