Lot #319
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Lot 320: Reproduction Revolutionary War Verbruggen 3-Pounder Cannon

Reproduction Revolutionary War Verbruggen 3-Pounder "Grasshopper" Bronze Cannon

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Lot 320: Reproduction Revolutionary War Verbruggen 3-Pounder Cannon

Reproduction Revolutionary War Verbruggen 3-Pounder "Grasshopper" Bronze Cannon

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 8, 2023

Estimated Price: $15,000 - $25,000

Reproduction Revolutionary War Verbruggen 3-Pounder "Grasshopper" Bronze Cannon

Manufacturer: None
Model: None
Type: Other
Gauge:
Barrel:
Finish:
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 3989
Item Interest: Very Active
Catalog Page: 259
Class: Other
Description:

The cannon measures 37 inches in overall length, and the bore is 30 3/4 inches in length and a little over 3 inches wide at the muzzle. There is a broad arrow pointing towards the muzzle on top of the tube above the trunnions. The left trunnion is marked "No. 2," and a wavy line marking is on the right. The breech ring is inscribed "I.P. VERBRUGGEN FECERUNT Ao J775," and the rear is marked "1:3:10." The markings replicate period markings for Jan and Pieter Verbruggen in 1775 and give the weight of the barrel (206 lbs). Jan Verbruggen was appointed to the heavy artillery foundry at the Hague in 1755. Verbruggen was run out of the country along with his son Pieter in 1770 after it was discovered that he had been altering and repairing his cannons between boring and proofing to obscure flaws in the casting process. After relocating to England, Jan and Pieter accepted positions with the Royal Brass Foundry at Woolwich and helped update the out of date facility. During the American Revolutionary War, Verbruggen guns were in wide use with the Royal Army and Royal Navy in North America, and their bronze guns were among the most commonly recovered artillery pieces in the American fight for independence, including at the Battle of Cowpens and the Siege of Yorktown. The 3-pounders, nicknamed "Grasshoppers" or "Gallopers," were particularly well-suited for warfare in North American and were specifically designed for use as light battalion guns to support the infantry and were able to be transported by a single horse or carried by men. This allowed them to be far more mobile and suitable for difficult terrain.

Rating Definition:

Fine with deep attractively aged patina, verdigris along the bottom, distinct markings, and minor overall wear.



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