Pair of Excavated Miniature Cannons – Charlestown, South Carolina

Description

Pair of Excavated Miniature Cannons – Charlestown, South Carolina

This pair of small-format cannons (4 in. and 2 ¼ in.) was unearthed in the Charleston, S.C., area, a region heavily involved in ordnance manufacture and coastal defense throughout the Civil War. Miniature cannons of this sort are known to have served several purposes in the 19th century: as toys, as mold patterns, as apprentice practice castings, or as scale samples produced by foundries and some even made in camp to pass the time of winter boredom. Although not attributable to any specific military installation, their recovery from Charleston—a city ringed with batteries, ironworks, and Confederate workshops—adds historical interest. Each retains untouched excavated surfaces and classic coastal patination. 

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card. 

Inventory Number: ART 479