r.h. brown co.

The R.H. Brown Company appeared in New Haven, Connecticut in 1888.  They started to advertise their yacht cannons in 1889.  It appears they went out of business in 1912.   During that 23 year period they produced some very fine, and distinctive yacht cannons. 
Shown is a 10 gauge cannon belonging to Steve Thebaut which was refurbished by Cannon-Mania.

The lanyard design is quite unique.  The design was awarded patent no. 421,730, to J.P. Lavigne on February 18, 1890.  There isn't any need to cock the cannon.  It is fired by pulling the lanyard, which "pulls" the firing pin to the shell.  The firing pin is spring loaded so that it is always toward the rear.   Also, the breech doesn't lock into position, rather it just closes.  There is a mystery as to how Brown used the design, as there was also another Yacht cannon company in New Haven, Connecticut under the name of Lavigne & Scott Mfg. from 1894 to 1898.

Brown cannons were also scaled and made in different sizes.  (Click on thumbnail images to enlarge)

                              This pedestal mounted cannon (9 inch barrel) fires small shells. During the late 1800's it was advertised as being a "Canoe Cannon".

                              This "Brown" cannon has a 25 inch barrel and fires a 1.5 inch diameter cartridge.

                              This "Brown" barrel is 34 inches long. 

                              The barrel on this cannon is 34 inches long and fires a "2 bore" cartridge.

The lettering on many of these cannons has all but rubbed away from polishing over the years.  Look for the lettering pattern shown above to help you identify your cannon.

It appears the cannons were adapted to fire different size blanks.  In the picture on the left (above), there is a sleeve reducing the chamber to 12 gauge, and the barrel is stamped as being 12 gauge
Photo courtesy of Randall and Michael Feldman "The Bay Area BOOM BOOM Brothers".  
The cannon on the right was sleeved for a smaller caliber cartridge.
The photo was submitted by Brian Robertson. 

Can you help us?  We are looking for any printed information about the R.H. Brown Company.  Old advertisements would be appreciated!