The following post is an update to the previous “Cannon” blog article issued just a couple of weeks ago.  

In late summer the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was gifted replica Revolutionary War cannon by CCSAR member Gerald Hounchell.  For that gift, we are grateful!

After rehabilitation with complete set of accoutrements for normal operation

It was clear that the cannon was not operational when received and needed restoration, love and preparation to make it functional.

Cannon before rehabilitation by CCSAR Team

We are proud to report that the cannon has been adopted by our leadership team and rebuilding / restoration of the cannon to its original pristine state is completed by a village of CCSAR members.

Completed Cannon, Ready for Action!

We are grateful to Brad Jarard and Scott Freeman for picking up the cannon and completing the repair work.  Special mention to Clay Crandall and Elyse Jarard for their generous time and support.

Side view, notice the attention to details!

It was a long journey to completion of the cannon as it was not in good shape.  All the wood and metal hardware needed to be stripped and in many cases removed and repaired.  All leather accoutrements, and some accompanying woodwork all had to be made from scratch.  However,  some elbow grease with this and that…and the results are excellent.  A legacy addition to the chapter for years to come.

Working on completing repairs to the carriage of the cannon

Our chapter is grateful for their efforts!

More information on the cannon:

We are excited to introduce our newly restored Gun No. 12, which is a 1-pound English Swivel Gun.  This cannon is now ready to take service for western Congressional Forces located in the Cincinnati  area.  Manned by a crew of 3-6 people, it would have primarily shot grapeshot and was also used to signal.

Cannon on display at recent living history event in Anderson Township

Three test firings of the cannon were successfully completed.  Feedback is it is loud and puts out some good flame and smoke.  See the video link attached below (updated):

https://photos.app.goo.gl/m1VgvVuBMpgGM94w5

Lt. Jarard is completing a fully comprehensive cannon firing manual that will detail everything associated with the piece, including making rounds, primers, slow match, etc..

Boom is the word that comes to mind!

CCSAR Members who have not previously expressed interest in undergoing training on the cannon, please reach out to Color Guard Commander – Jason Bourgeois or Lieutenant Brad Jarard.

As shared previously, we have hit a snag due to lack of longer term liability coverage on either the OHSSAR or NSSAR insurance policies.  Unfortunately, until this is resolved, the cannon will be used for display purposes only. 

Thanks again to our CCSAR Member Hounchell, and special thanks to Brad and Scott for their hard work in restoring the cannon to its former glory!

This cannon will add to the authenticity of our Color Guard activities and certainly will be a conversation piece when on display or operation.  

Boom!