4366 SPANISH BRONZE CANNON OF THE MID 19th CENTURY

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 03 @ 10:00 (UTC-4 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 3,000.00 USD
Estimated at 6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
PRESENTED TO LT. COL. McGINNESS. This intriguing bronze cannon measures 12 1/2" in length, 3 1/4" across the muzzle with a 1 3/4" bore, and 6" across at the trunnions. The most prominent original marking on the cannon is a crowned royal cipher just above the base ring and below the vent. The base ring is engraved "MANILA 12 DE JUNIO DE 1851." The neck of the cannon has an engraved riband that reads "FIRRUFINO," which is likely a tribute to Julio Cesar Firrufino, a 16th/17th century engineer and mathematician who was a master artillerist and Chair of mathematics and fortifications at the University of Madrid. He wrote several books and publications relating to artillery, mathematics, and the use of fortifications in the first half of the 17th century. The left trunnion is marked "BRONCES REFUNDIDOS," which translates to "RECAST BRONZES." The other trunnion is marked "P.o 23 Ls". The lip of the cannon is marked "O.C.9." Perhaps the most fascinating part of this cannon is the engraved presentation between the trunnions that reads "Lt. Col. J R McGinness. Chief Ordnance Officer. Dept. of the Pacific and 8th Army Corps Manila, 1899." This cannon was obviously presented to McGinness during the Spanish American War. John R. McGinness graduated from the Military Academy in June of 1863. He saw service during the Civil War and was breveted for gallant and meritorious service. He served with distinction in the military for many years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lt. Col. McGinness was appointed Chief Ordnance Officer of the Department of the Pacific and the 8th Army Corps on December 31st of 1898. He served at this post until April of 1901 and ultimately retired from active service in 1904 after 45 years in uniform. The cannon is mounted on what is likely a 19th century naval carriage with wooden wheels on the front. The wheels on the back are missing. CONDITION: the cannon is quite solid and has a pleasing, early patina. Marks and engravings are easily read and well executed. The carriage remains quite solid, with a few scuffs and scrapes to the wood. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of a Tennessee Gentleman. (02-23042/BF). $6,000-8,000.