Post by hawkeyes on Jul 6, 2021 11:08:32 GMT -7
Hawkeyes, before we leave the subject of cannons, may I ask a question, please?
I have a CVA model cannon with an arrangement to prevent the gun from rolling backward when fired. It consists of a chain fastened to the end of the tail stock and to a metal plate which one wheel rests on. Like this:
Do you know if any full scale, operational cannons were ever outfitted with such a thing? I've been unable to find evidence that they were, but my sources are very limited.
Thanks.
Spence
That being a napoleon style, I'd say civil war? I really haven't much information about that type of piece. However, to date I personally have never found anything either on British or later made Continental artillery pieces of the day that utilized such a device.
We actually discussed something along similar lines Sunday. Someone asked if they "restrained" pieces under fire. From research the only guns I've found that were somewhat restrained would be naval pieces with tackle. For obvious reasons aboard a vessel we know this is a must! Field pieces however I haven't again found any information of them being restrained under recoil. Understanding the forces at work we know the released energy must travel somewhere, thus allowing the artillery piece to move under recoil alleviates a substantial amount of energy being absorbed by the carriage. Another important aspect of the carriage is the material from which it's made, clear winner is oak. Historically white oak seems to be what the vast majority of period pieces were constructed from. I remember in high school visiting Yorktown every period gun carriage was white oak. My grandfather was amazed from the crafting of these carriages because being a carpenter himself he knew the tendency and tenacity of white oak, it's a bear!
My carriage isn't unfortunately made from solid white oak but glue ups of red oak. I'm not positive on the use of red oak as a period carriage material... However it's properties are similar to that of white oak, just less dense making it less durable than the later. With the abundance of white oak during those days they made not have used it.. Still heavy and very strong to say the least. My carriage weighs close to 200lbs if not more. The entire piece is a chore to move. Even with those 2oz charges with little back pressure she jumps back with authority.