|
Post by KarlKoz on Nov 3, 2007 23:14:31 GMT -6
Found a Gatling gun up for auction on the Cowan's Auctions site: www.cowanauctions.com/upcoming_dates_view_item.asp?ItemId=49951Made in 1866, it was bought by the US Gov't, issued to the US Navy and installed on the USS Yorktown. Originally a .50 cal, it was later converted to a .45 cal. I was wondering how similar this Gatling gun would be to those on the expedition.
|
|
|
Post by gocav76 on Nov 4, 2007 0:18:32 GMT -6
Nice post KarlKoz--Did you place a bid? The carriage looks small-I have seen photos from the Civil War of field artillery pieces mounted on smaller carriages on naval ships-i think this is the case for this gun. Here is a pic of a gattling mounted on a field artillery carriage. tri.army.mil/LC/CS/csa/gat1865.jpg
|
|
|
Post by fred on Nov 4, 2007 7:47:33 GMT -6
I'd love to put that thing on my front lawn, but the association board would have a conniption.
That's an absolute beauty, though.
Best wishes, Fred.
|
|
|
Post by harpskiddie on Nov 4, 2007 11:21:08 GMT -6
The literature accompanying the item mentions a 1877-style carriage, so I would guess that it is different from those on the 1876 campaign. The 1875 Inspection pamphlet I have covers only the gun itself and not the gun carriage, so I infer that there were different patterns of same, depending upon the intended use of the weapon.
With a Gatling on your lawn, Fredo, who is gonna say word one? If I win the lottery, I'll buy you one.
Gordie, FTB
|
|
|
Post by elisabeth on Nov 4, 2007 11:36:39 GMT -6
It's gorgeous, isn't it.
Even though the gun carriage is 1877, this gives us a nice idea of what the consequences of breaking the tongue (as on Reno's scout) might be. It's obviously crucial to the gun's operation; but it looks as if it could easily be jerry-rigged with a tree-branch or something to keep the gun operational in the field.
|
|
|
Post by BrokenSword on Nov 4, 2007 12:35:35 GMT -6
Brings up a question and (apparently) long standing debate.
The gat. pictured was issued to the US Navy. I assume that the paint on the wooden parts has been restored with lovely 'Battleship Gray' for that reason.
But - what color was used on ACW-turn of the century artillery carriages? Some SWEAR it was red and others SWEAR it was a dull, grubby looking olive green. The restored pieces I have seen are done in the greenish color.
Does anyone here know?
M
|
|