Page 231 - 4094-BOOK2

229
One of approximately 350 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles still
in existence, with most examples located on national
historic sites and military parks
LOT 1236
1862 Dated Civil War Phoenix Iron Co. U.S. 3-Inch Ordnance
Rifle with Carriage - Serial no. 368, 3 inch cal., 68 inch round
bbl., black finish. This cannon was manufactured by the Phoenix
Iron Company of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, just northwest of
Philadelphia and inspected in 1862 by Union inspector Theodore
Thadeus Sobieski Laidley. The company produced most (around
1,000) of the 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles. Many of the roughly 350
surviving 3-Inch Ordnance Rifles lie within national historic sites/
military parks, according to page 123 of “Field Artillery Weapons of
the Civil War” by Hazlett, Olmstead and Parks”. This model, invented
by John Griffen, was reported to be very accurate under a mile.
These were the second most common rifled field artillery pieces
during the Civil War, and only one burst in action. These early rifles
were made using John Griffen’s method, which used wrought iron
rods bundled and then heat-welded together before drilling out the
bore. “T.T.S.L. No. 368 P.I. Co. 1862/816 lbs” marked on the muzzle,
and “US” on top between the trunnions. Features seven-groove
rifling and a pinched blade front sight. Includes a reproduction
carriage by Historical Ordnance Works and accoutrements.
CONDITION: Fine as professionally restored by Historical Ordnance
Works with applied black paint, some light pitting overall, and crisp
markings as well as showing signs of authentic period field use such
as worn vent and good rifling. Carriage is very fine
and sturdy overall.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000