small cannon history

Small cannon firing has long been associated with special events, the Forth of July (For the USA), New Years, Boy Scout ceremonies, Maritime events, Races and Military events, to name a few. 

The Chinese were experimenting with explosive powders in the 3rd century B.C. Originally they were used for ceremonies and rituals.  It was quickly learned these explosive devices could become a weapon by simply inserting a stone or metal ball in the barrel. The Japanese were quick to follow with their hand cannon. It wasn't until 1252 that the Chinese magical powder formula appeared in an essay written by Friar Roger Bacon of England. The phrase gun powder was born.

Cannon spread through-out Europe, experiments with early models brought about several changes and refinements.. During the 1600, 1700 and 1800's cannon changed very little. 

Cannon of all sizes began to appear on ships.  They were (and still are) used for fighting, defense, signaling and for ceremonies. Ceremonial cannon are referred to as deck cannon, or salute cannon.   Small cannon sometimes served in both capacities.

Old, small deck cannon (also called swivel guns) abound on sunken ships, and many have been salvaged from old sailing boats. 

   During the 1800's several wars peaked cannon usage i.e.; The War of 1812 (1812-1814), The Napoleonic Wars (1800-1815, Battle of Waterloo 1815), Crimean War (1853-1856), Civil War (1861-1865), Franco-Prussian War (1870), Spanish-American War (1898)Mexican-American War (1846-1848), Boer Wars 1880 -1902).  Soldiers brought home their tales of war, and passed them on to their children. The boys would reenact the battles.  Entrepreneurs of the time saw a need for miniature toys to fill a hungry appetite. Better methods for manufacturing and mass production now existed. The collectible miniature cannon were born. Several patents followed. One of the earliest U.S. patent's was in 1860.

Giving a boy a toy cannon 150 years ago, was quite common.  More than 20 companies made them.  Even Abraham Lincoln's son (Tad) played with one, and was once reprimanded when he bombarded the door of the Cabinet room while members were in session (His cannon is on display at the Springfield, IL Lincoln museum).   Toy cannon evolved from the great war stories.  To a young boy they meant power.  They were a real boys toy.  They still are. 
(See more "Kids & Cannons" here)

During the 1800's small cannons were pictured on all types of advertising and on post cards.  They were popular for Christmas, July 4th and New Years.
(See many more July 4th postcards - Click here)

Small cannon were often designed to mark famous people, events and sometimes were named after real cannon, as in the Ives' Hotchkiss cannon and the "Swamp Angel". The Dewey Cannon (1899), for the Spanish-American War Admiral George Dewey. The "Remember the Maine" cannon, after the blowing up of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 and so on. These toys were mostly made of metal, and because of that, many have survived. There are numerous toy cannons over 100 years old.   There was a race among the cannon toy makers to produce ingenious methods to explode black powder, caps, blank shells and firecrackers. There was a flood of U.S. patents between the years of 1860 and 1920. 

By the way, the word cannon without the ending "s" is also appropriate for use in the plural sense.

Speaking of small models, there is a company called, The Imperial Miniature Armory.  They offer exquisite miniature guns and cannon.  The pieces are astounding.   The craftsmanship is second to none.  Visit the Imperial Miniature Armory at: www.1800miniature.com

Keep the tradition alive by keeping it fun and safe.