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LOT 320
Historic Revolutionary War Era 1775 Dated Verbruggen 3-Pounder “Grasshopper” Bronze Cannon - 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 indicate that it was manufactured by Jan and Pieter Verbruggen in 1775 and 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relocating to England, Jan and Pieter accepted positions with the Royal Brass Foundry at Woolwich and helped update the out of date facility.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. CONDITION: Fine with deep attractively aged patina, verdigris along the bottom, distinct markings, and minor overall wear.
pierced hunting theme design with dogs, game, and a hunter on the side plate. There is raised relief carving around the upper tang and brass inventory tag on the butt marked “562.” CONDITION: Very good with mostly dark brown patina on the lock and barrel, mild pitting on the breech section and cock, dark aged
patina on the brass, mostly distinct markings and designs, and general moderate overall wear. The period refinished stock is also very good and has some thin cracks, a small repair on the bottom of the butt, crisp carving, and generally mild dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Malcolm B. Troup, Captain, US Army, Retired Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,250
LOT 322 Fine Commercial Brown Bess Type Flintlock Musket - NSN, 75 cal., 39 1/2 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The legendary Brown Bess was the standard British musket from through most of the 18th century and into the 19th century. They were also used in British colonies. This commercial musket was manufactured in the 19th century, likely for the African or Asian markets. It has London commercial proofs, “WARRANTED” marked at the center of the lock and “FULL-PROOF” marked on the tail, “JM” on the rear of the left stock flat, and a buff leather sling. CONDITION: Fine with gray and brown patina on the lock and barrel, mild oxidation, aged patina on the brass, and general mild overall wear mostly from age and storage. The stock is also fine with crisp edges and has numerous small insect holes and mild scratches and dings on the balance. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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LOT 321
Whatley Flintlock Fowling Piece with Relief Carved Stock - NSN, 10 gauge, 39 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The flat, beveled lock plate is signed “Whately” at the center and has a frizzen roller, border and scroll engraving, and a goose-neck cock.
The smoothbore, multi-stage barrel has silver blade front sight with tear drop base, “crown/P” and “crown/V” proof marks flaking an “HH” maker’s mark, and light engraving at the breech. The standing breech has a dished rear sight. The furniture is brass and includes some light engraving, nicely shaped finials, pierced armorial designs on the wrist escutcheon,
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000