Thank you to everyone for their kind comments and support.
1841 Model 6Pdr cannon
Designed by the USA Department of ordinance and used successfully during the Mexican war this cannon was effectively obsolete by the time of the Civil War.
Whilst capable of firing solid, Spherical case, common shell and cannister it was super ceded by the more powerful Napoleon 12Pdr ( licensed in the US in 1857) and as a result, was being phased out.
However, research shows that 56 of these cannons were in service with the Army of Northern Virginia. Reference to ‘Antietam the soldiers battle’ and this fascinating link,
has allowed me to place the various cannons used to the unit that used them, fantastic news!
http://antietam.aotw.org/weapons.php?weapon_id=allPro rata I will need seven of these cannons for the refight. Two will be with AP Hills Division which did not arrive until late in the day.
I have therefore decided to build five and then ‘pinch’ them if necessary.
I have used the Italieri Napoleon carriage with my rope coil attached. A piece of copper with twisted picture wire makes up the elevating screw.
The barrel is constructed from the Revell British Artillery set. I have carved the barrel rings off as per the US barrel and with a soldering iron made a muzzle hole.
Tissue paper is used for the trunnions.
A piece of chain makes up the braking chain.
I am quite pleased by the way my cannons have turned out.
Incidently, with my new reference source, I have discovered that not all US batteries had six guns.
Many had only four, although of the same type, unlike some of the Confederate mixed batteries.
Fascinating stuff.