Someone I know purchased this barrel at an auction. It was represented as coming from the ocean floor but I don't know where.
It's pretty rough.
Here is the description from the auction house.
[QUOTE]
Six-Pounder Iron Naval Cannon "Hope Furnace - Rhode Island" Circa 1800. A rare British style 6-pound naval cannon that has been overstruck "H.F." for the Hope Furnace Foundry in Rhode Island. With a shortage of both foundries and cannons, the American Navy utilized captured cannons from British, French and Spanish frigates that were taken as prizes by American privateers operating on the high seas. They would in turn use these same cannons to arm American merchant vessels sailing from New York and Boston. It is 62" in length with a 3.75" bore and is marked "H.F." on the breech.
I currently have the barrel in my possession. It has not been through any conservation procedures.
I believe it will continue to deteriorate.
The barrel is 62" long and I am told it weighs 850 lbs.
Here are some pictures.
The markings "HF" described above can be seen here.
I was asked to build a nice naval carriage for it. I used 3" thick oak.
Some pictures of the process.
The table this is sitting on is 48" wide.
Testing the barrel for fit.
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