c. 1780-1812 Revolutionary to War of 1812 Era, Naval Cannon Bar Shot, both Iron Balls measuring 2.75” wide with an 8” long chain that extend fully to 12.75” long, in excellent apparently unused condition, having a natural rich age patina, Choice Extremely Fine.
This original Naval Cannon Chain Shot measures about 12.75” long extended each iron ball about 2.75” in diameter. It is similar to examples used during both the Revolutionary War Period through the War of 1812 and beyond. These heavy solid ball and chain projectiles were specifically made to either tear the rigging out of enemy ships, or to rip through a close formation of sailors or soldiers. Their shape caused them to spin while in flight and caused far more damage than a conventional straight flying round cannon ball. Militaria collectors find these to be one of the most desirable and interesting forms of 18th-19th century naval fighting ordnance. A clean and impressive example worthy of display.
Naval artillery in the Age of Sail encompasses the period of roughly 1571-1862: when large, sail-powered wooden naval warships dominated the high seas, mounting a bewildering variety of different types and sizes of cannon as their main armament.
By modern standards, these cannon were extremely inefficient, difficult to load, and short ranged. These characteristics, along with the handling and seamanship of the ships that mounted them, defined the environment in which the naval tactics in the Age of Sail developed. Chain Shot - Two balls, sized for cannon different lengths of chain. Their effect was typically devastating. |