Heritage

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The pictures above were taken by Don Nicholson of the two cannon at the Saugeen River Mouth.  Often the overall impression of the cannon and their size obscures the detail.

Meanings:

• 56-2-0 means that the north cannon weighs 6328 pounds while the south cannon weighs 6244 pounds.  The first number is in hundred weight of 112 lbs.  The second number is in quarters of hundredweight which are 28 pounds.  The third number is in pounds never exceeding 27

• 32 P means it fired a 32 pound ball and it had passed a proofing test wherein the charge was doubled from normal and the cannon was fired.  After firing they would put water in them under pressure and look for leaks.

• The muzzle and cascabel markings (groves) which were originally painted with white lead  were for sighting down the side of the cannon at the target rather than over the top where markings exist too.  The target using the top markings was sometimes obscured.

• The arrow like symbol is called a broad arrow and indicated that the gun was crown property.

• The beautiful insignia shinning in the morning light shows that the gun was made during the reign of George III (25 October 1760 to 29 January1820)

• W C^o indicates the south cannon was made by Walker & Company of Rotherham having been started in nearby Sheffield.

• Carron appears on the north cannon trunnion indicating that it was built by Carron Iron Works of Falkirk Scotland.  The number appears to be 1809

• J28 could be a company serial number?

For more pictures see below:

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Sunday, October 16, 2011