cartridge (small
caliber blanks)cartridge (small
caliber blanks)
These cannon were more
sophisticated in that they used a blank cartridge (22, 32, 38, 44, 45 and 50 caliber) that
fired, when struck by a hammer. Only a few companies made them. Although they
were much safer and easier to load, they were never very popular. Perhaps it was too
difficult to obtain shells or maybe the kids used Dad's live ammo?
All pictures are thumbnails, click on them to see a larger image.
|
These were manufactured by the
Ives and Blakeslee & Company, in Bridgeport Connecticut, from 1890 to 1900. They also
made over two dozen different cannon, to include cap firing, black powder, salute and
firecracker types, all in different sizes. Many of these cannon are included on other
pages. Circa 1895 - "Monarch" (on the left) is written on this 32 caliber blank rim-firing cannon. The similar, but smaller "Swamp Angel" fired 22 caliber blanks. Notice the size difference between the 22's vs 32's on the right.. in the top picture of blanks. |
|
This was Ive's 44 caliber model, with a wooden carriage. It was also produced in a larger, 12 gauge size. |
|
"Battery A" is written on this small 22 caliber blank firing cannon. It appears to have been made during the late 1800's. (Manufacturer unknown, probably Ives) |
|
Patent no. 790,598 was awarded to Milton J. Shimer on May 23, 1905 for this blank 22 caliber firing cannon. Mr. Shimer also received patents for his firecracker cannons, shown elsewhere on this site. |
|
These two rare cannon fire 32 and 50 caliber blanks. The close up is of the 32 caliber. They were fired using a string that was tied to the lower part of the hammer. Manufacturer is unknown. There are no markings on the cannon. |
|
In 1877 J&E Stevens introduced two similar models that fired 32 & 38 caliber blanks. |
|
Here is a 45 caliber, center fire cannon made by the famous "Strong Yacht Cannon Co." of New Haven, CT. Circa 1880 |
