A 3” GUN. This mold measures approx. 55 1/2" in length with another 6” protrusion out of the muzzle. It is nearly 6” across at the muzzle, 12 1/4" across at the trunnions, and 10” across at the breech. The mold is constructed in two halves and appears to be made of a light hardwood. The mold comes with a letter from well-known antiquarian, W. Newton Crouch, who purchased this mold from a man who obtained it from the Taylor Iron Works when the business was dissolved. The Taylor Iron Works were the successors to Schofield Iron Works, and Schofield was the successor to Finley Iron Works, the original manufacturers of the mold. Finely Iron Works was founded in the 1850s and was procured by the Confederate Government in April of 1862 when it became the Macon Arsenal. Finley Iron Works originally manufactured railroad car castings, wheels, and steam engines, but the manufacturing capabilities were quickly converted to cannons by the Confederate Government under the Macon Arsenal. Plans were drawn up in the summer of 1862 for the casting of bronze 6-pounders and 12-pound howitzers, as described in the ordnance manual. Many artillery officers urged the arsenal to begin casting 12-pound Napoleons, as well as other cannons. The Macon Arsenal delivered a total of 72 cannons to the Confederacy that included the much-favored Napoleons, as well as the Parrots. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a letter regarding the cannon barrel mold from W. Newton Crouch, along with information on the Macon Arsenal and armaments produced by them. CONDITION: the mold has a few scattered bumps and bruises with some scattered wear to the high points; however, the mold is in amazing condition for its age and likely could still be used for casting cannon barrels today. (02-21300/BF). $2,000-4,000.