Burns March Military Auction
Lot 207:
Description
Be sure to see our video. Original M1841 12lb. Mountain Howitzer manufactured by Cyrus Alger & Company and delivered to the United States military in February 1863. This original tube is mounted on a reproduction carriage made by Dave Seedenberg of Seed Artillery Reproduction and Restoration. This lot also includes the trailer used to transport the howitzer and carriage as well as an original Civil War 12 lb. Mountain Howitzer pack saddle with a later stand, two original Civil War ammunition chests (one with later reenactor paint), and a large assortment of artillery accessories and tools including original fuses, pricks, Hausse Sight leather case, insignia, rolled pouch or case, worm (shortened), sponge, dummy rounds and more. Please see the 100+ photos for the breadth of what comes with this lot. This howitzer (No.231) was acquired in 1959 by James Hudkins of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Mr. Hudkins used this piece for reenacting, beginning with Civil War Centennial reenactments (1961-65) and continuing into the mid 1990s. On March 17, 1961, Dr. James Hazlett, co-author of “Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War, had the opportunity to examine this howitzer. He made a diagram of the muzzle (copy included) in which he noted the muzzle stampings; (No. 231 C.A, & Co. 219 1863 T.J.R.). Hazlett published this information in his “List of Mountain Howitzer recoveries – Revised to Aug. 5, 1962 and then again on page 296 of his 1983 book, “Field Artillery of the Civil War”. Mr, Hudkins was mentioned by name in the book’s acknowledgment section and his personal copy is included in this lot. In 1981 Wayne Stark, A former Smithstonian Institute consultant and author of the book “Big Guns” examined this piece (copy included). He noted that the muzzle markings were badly worn. The markings are extremely faint but it is still possible to see the numbers “231” and “219”. Please watch our video for a clear look at these marks. The current owner, who reenacted with Mr. Hudkins for several years, states that Hudkins polished the barrel regularly and insisted that his reenactment gun crew wipe the muzzle face after each firing. This undoubtedly caused additional wear to the markings. The barrel is stamped “US” between the two trunnions. The U.S. 1862 ordnance manual eliminated the requirement for foundries to mark the trunnion faces with the date of casting and the manufacturer’s name. The trunnion faces on this piece are blank in accordance with those1862 regulations. Two wartime period modifications were made; an iron blade front sight was added and three holes were added at the breech for a pendulum hausse seat. After acquiring the cannon, Hudkins replaced the vent piece with a Bannerman vent piece but kept the original one which is also included in this lot. With the exception of this vent piece, the barrel does not appear to have been altered in any way since the Civil War. The original Howitzer pack saddle included in this auction is complete and but with some deterioration. Both of the original ammunition crates are complete. One retains the original paint while the other was repainted at the time of the Civil War Centennial to represent the 9th Ohio Independent Light Artillery Battery. Jim Hudkins died on February 5, 2023. He bequeathed Mountain Howitzer 231 to a close friend who in turn has consigned it to us. Today, fewer than 200 of these mountain howitzers are accounted for. Of those, the majority are held by public institutions and museums. This lot represents a rare opportunity to obtain a wonderful piece of American Civil War artillery history. This lot is available for inspection upon request in Lancaster, Ohio. Pickup is Sunday, March 29 from 10 am to 4 pm at our gallery in Lancaster, Ohio 43130. We can’t ship this lot for you – you will have to come for it or send someone. We will charge a $5 fee if you want to pick this lot up another day. Shipping questions: [email protected]. Sales tax is collected on this auction. Payment via cash, cashier’s check or wire only on this lot. TL34
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