SCARCE 32-POUNDER FIELD HOWITZER FRONT SIGHT

SCARCE 32-POUNDER FIELD HOWITZER FRONT SIGHT

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$395.00

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Item Code: 2026-9090

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Detachable steel front sight for the 32-pounder field howitzer, officially designated as the Model 1844. Artillery sights were detachable to prevent damage or loss when not in action. This short, steel, front blade sight shows some shallow pitting, but is clearly marked, “32 / pdr. / F H:” the weight designation, with just the “p” and part of the “d” worn, and, we presume, “F[ield] H[owitzer].” Please see our photos.

The guns themselves were bronze, chambered, with 6.4-inch smooth bores, the largest of the prewar field howitzers, and fairly scarce with just 25 produced from 1848 to 1857, according to Hazlett, Olmstead and Parks. They had a range of about 1,500 yards, fired shells, case shot and canister, and were intended to be in batteries with 12-pounder guns. In the Civil War the weight of the guns counted against them, as did the weight and size of their ammunition, with separate projectile and powder charge, reducing the capacity of caisson and limber ammunition chests. They were largely relegated to field works, blockhouses, and other defensive positions, but a few in federal hands are known to have seen action at Malvern Hill and Antietam in the eastern theatre and at Shiloh and Stones River in the west.

The sight comes from the artillery section of an older, large collection, much of which was acquired from the now legendary Bannerman military surplus firm.   [sr][ph:L]

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