Pair of Late 17th Century Miniature Howitzers

Object Name/Title

Pair of Late 17th Century Miniature Howitzers

Catalog Number

111-0062

Model Designation

British Pattern Small Bronze Howitzer

Physical Description

A matching pair of small bronze howitzers designed for lobbing small cannonballs or bombs. Each piece features a short barrel with centrally-mounted trunnions and a flared muzzle. The bronze surface shows historic patina. The pieces are designed with a chambered bore, similar to contemporary mortars but with trunnions positioned differently. Each piece represents a scaled-down version of larger field howitzers of the period.

Firearm Type

Artillery Piece - Light Howitzer

Maker, Manufacturer, or Workshop

British manufacture (presumed)

Date of Manufacture

Late 17th Century - American Revolution period

Action Type

Muzzleloading

Loading Method

Muzzleloading with separate powder charge and projectile

Caliber/Gauge

2 inch bore

Measurements

Overall length: 7 inches (17.78 cm)
Width at trunnions: 5½ inches (13.97 cm)
Weight: 10 pounds 13 ounces (4.87 kg) (each piece)
Bore diameter: 2 inches (5.08 cm)

Component Materials

Primary material: Bronze

Markings and Proofs

Visual inspection of provided images shows period-appropriate patina on bronze surfaces. No visible proof marks or serial numbers noted in available documentation.

Object History

These howitzers were acquired from renowned Pennsylvania collector Joe Kindig in the early 1960s. Similar examples are reported to exist in the Tower of London collection, suggesting these pieces represent a standardized British artillery pattern. The pieces are from a period when smaller artillery pieces were being developed for increased mobility and specialized roles in both siege and field operations.

Acquisition Source

Purchased from Joe Kindig, Pennsylvania collector, early 1960s

Subject Terms

Artillery
Howitzer
Bronze cannon
18th century weapons
British military history
Colonial period arms
Muzzleloading artillery

Related Collections

The F.E. Williams III Collection of Antique Weapons and Artifacts

Collection Attribution

Frederick Eugene Williams III (known as Jack Williams), Collector

References and Citations

https://www.silverhawkauthor.com/post/artillery-in-canada-british-smoothbore-muzzleloading-sbml-cannon-in-canada-david-mcconnell

Tower of London Collections (still need referenced comparative examples here)

Rights Statement

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