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Very Scarce and Desirable Civil War 1861 Dated Ames Mfg. Co. Bronze 6-Pounder Rifled
Field Gun - NSN, 3.67 Inch cal., 57 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish. Manufactured in 1861, as
dated on the trunnion, by Ames Manufacturing Co. in Chicopee, Massachusetts. These were
desirable early in the war when rifled artillery in general was lacking. It shares visual similarities
with the smoothbore Federal Model 1841 6-Pounder field guns, but with a 3.67 inch diameter
bore and 10 grooves of rifling. Provision for a post front sight (absent) and groove rear sight.
“1861” date marked on the left trunnion, “AMES CO/FOUNDERS/CHICOPEE/MASS” on the
right trunnion, and “N.J” (likely New Jersey) on the left trunnion and face of the muzzle. The
tube measures approximately 65 inches from muzzle to cascabel, with a 57 3/4 inch inside
bore length. Includes large modern blueprints depicting a carriage design beneath the rifle.
Information on this type of rifled 6-pounder can be found on pages 48-49 of “Field Artillery
Weapons of the Civil War” by Hazlett, Olmstead, and Parks.
CONDITION: Fine overall, with highly attractive, untouched, natural aged patina, and
legible markings.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
