Dave,
Others will probably say this same thing, but primer paint will not preserve
a cannon that has soaked in sea water for a long time. The metal will
corrode to dust if the salt is not leached out of the metal. When six cannons were
discovered on the California coast in 1981, the University of California
arranged to soak them in repeated baths of distilled water for years to get the
salt crystals out. I think they even used electrolysis to accelerate the
process. Once the metal is clear of the salt, then it has to be thoroughly dried
and then sealed with a special wax to prevent future corrosion. There is a lot
of literature on metal conservation. I suggest you retain the services of a
professional conservationist to clean the metal.
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
In a message dated 3/7/2008 9:45:23 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Thanks for your helpful comments. I believe that there may be casting
lines, but these don't show up in the photos. It is pitted, probably
from being submerged in saltwater at high tide. The discoverer coated
it with a heavy primer paint. I have seen photos of gimble-type mounts
used with similar size guns. I'll try to post a few other photos today.
Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kris
Oswald
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 3:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Cannon / Swivel Gun identification
Cannon of this size were sometimes used by land based rescue crews to
shoot breeching lines out to ships in danger of sinking or breaking up.
this would have allowed access to follow up with rescue boats to save
the sailors It also falls into the ship rail/ signal swivel
cannon...allot are unmarked The photos show a very rough casting? or is
it corrosion ? unable to tell from the posted photo's at this time. Can
you see any parting lines?
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
McMahan, Dave (DNR)
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 11:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Cannon / Swivel Gun identification
Good point Ron, and I've looked into this a little bit. As I understand
it, however, these type guns were small enough to have been also
commonly used on landing boats. What I didn't mention in the original
query is that there are a number of known Tlingit sites in the general
area (including a midden of unknown age in the immediate vicinity).
It's possible that it was taken in a raid. Of course all this is
speculation. My best guess would be that was from a Russian vessel, but
knowing the age and place of manufacture might help sort this out.
Thanks for your comments.
Dave
Dave McMahan
State Archaeologist, Deputy SHPO
Alaska Office of History and Archaeology 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1310
Anchorage, AK 99501
Voice: (907)269-8723
Fax: (907)269-8908
-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY on behalf of Ron May
Sent: Thu 3/6/2008 7:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Cannon / Swivel Gun identification
I am wondering what the odds are that a swivel gun fell overboard and
washed ashore? My suspicious mind makes me wonder if the ship to which
it was once attached is not nearby? I know of at least one cannon from
the sailing ship Betsy that wrecked off Santa Barbara in 1946 that
washed ashore.
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
In a message dated 3/6/2008 3:58:58 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Hi,
I am wondering if anyone can help identify / date a small iron cannon
(swivel gun?) found by a beachcomber in southeast Alaska? Russians,
British, Spanish, and Americans were all in this region during the late
18th and 19th centuries. I have posted a photo and dimensions at:
http://www.alaska.net/~oha/Kake-Cannon/. Sorry for the cross-posting
--
this was also sent to SUBARCH.
Thanks,
Dave
Dave McMahan
State Archaeologist, Deputy SHPO
Alaska Office of History and Archaeology 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1310
Anchorage, AK 99503-3565
Voice: (907) 269-8723
Fax: (907) 269-8908
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