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Very Scarce Civil War Cyrus Alger & Co. U.S. Model 1835 Bronze 12-Pounder Howitzer with Carriage and Caisson
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LOT 78
Very Scarce Civil War Cyrus Alger & Co. U.S. Model 1835 Bronze 12-Pounder Howitzer with Carriage and Caisson - Serial no. 179, 12. This Cyrus Alger & Co. manufactured Model 1835 12-pounder howitzer is recorded as inspected by Thomas Jefferson Rodman on June 3rd, 1861, right at the beginning of the Civil War. The Model 1835 is considered to be much rarer than the similar but heavier Model 1841. Both models saw use in the Mexican-American War, Indian Wars (earlier production examples) and
the Civil War. They were designed to be light and mobile artillery suitable for Samuel Ringgold’s flying artillery tactics. Ringgold died from a mortal wound from a cannon ball
at the Battle of Palo Alto and was the first U.S. officer killed in the Mexican-American War. Technically he died before the U.S. had even formally declared war. The battle was largely won thanks to superior American artillery. Four Model 1835 12-pounders are known to have seen severe action at Chickamauga with Captain Eli Lilly’s 18th Indiana Battery during the Civil War. It has a post front sight, “1861” on the left trunnion, “C.A. & Co./BOSTON” on the right trunnion, “740” just above the right trunnion, “U.S.” on top between the trunnions, “179/T.J.R.” (registry number and initials of inspector Thomas J. Rodman) on the face of the muzzle, and “224” above the knob on the rear. The howitzer is fitted in a professionally built reproduction olive green carriage with black fittings. Also includes a professionally built reproduction olive green caisson. The howitzer measures 37 1/2 inches long from muzzle to rear tip and 11 1/2 inches wide at the trunnions, with a bore measuring 4 5/8 inches. The carriage with black iron hardware measures approximately 80 inches in length, with a 53 inch width, and a wheel height of 42 inches.