9 Pounder - Vancouver - Bessborough Armoury
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives has recently had the honour of receiving their 9 Pounder, Mark II, 6-cwt, Rifled Muzzle Loader for Land Service back from the Royal Canadian Artillery Museum on a five year loan. The early history of the cannon is somewhat unclear at this time.
Front, side and rear view - 9 Pounder No 450 is in good shape. The two wheels are of two slightly different styles. The seats are nailed shut. The leather straps are still pliable with a few cracks. There are no stores with the gun.
Cypher, stamps and other markings - The barrel is stamped with Queen Victoria's cypher (1837 - 1901). The numbers close to the breech (5-3-27) represent the weight of the barrel (hundredweight-quarters-pounds) which would be equivalent to 671 lbs / 305 kg. The arrow indicates it has been proofed and accepted for service. The trunnion is stamped R-C-F No 450 II 1876 which would indicate that it is serial number 450 manufactured in 1876 in the Mark II design. The end of the barrel is stamped Firth's Steel 4539 which indicates manufacture by Thomas Firth and Sons.
Wheels - The wheels are of different configurations. Both have their spokes stamped in Roman numerals. The left wheel rim is stamped with N9113 No 35 RCD 1896 while the right wheel rim is stamped No 35.
Gun Stores - None at this time.