This cannon, with its 49" tapered brass tube, is believed to be one of Joseph Whitworth's early trial cannons. It features a hexagonal-rifled 1-1/2" diameter bore with large brass front sight. Brass trunnions cast on a block around the barrel, near the center. Slotted cascabel behind breech, attached to the threaded adjustable elevation wheel. Brass trunnion covers, pins, and treads. Whitworth made his early cannons out of brass and was known for his experimental rifling of the bores. These barrels were made at the Woolrich Arsenal Brass Foundry. His later production cannons had the same rifled bores, but were made of Whitworth compressed steel tubes. Joseph Whitworth, of England, was known as one of the most innovative ordnance designers of the 19th century, primarily for his work with artillery advancements. These hexagonal bores were known for outstanding range and accuracy. This example was found in London and was once part of the collection of Colonel Bapty until around 1919. This was one of the largest early collections of artillery and weapons in England. The tube is mounted on an ornately carved stepped Teak wood carriage on wheels. It is 37-1/2" long, 19" tall, and 10-1/2" in width. The carriage features fine relief scroll carving on all four faces of the carriage. The sides are shaped and the front has an inset panel. The top has four large iron eyes with large rings, to secure the cannon, move it, or hold it in place. It is believed that due to the naval style carriage, it was used on the Maharajah of India's yacht. It has four wheels with brass tread, held in place on wooden axles with wooden wedges. Joseph Whitworth presented many artillery pieces to the leaders of many countries, in order to entice them to place an order for their military's artillery pieces, from him. Excellent condition, brass retains a dark and unpolished patina with scattered dents and marks from the period of use. Carriage retains a dark, dry original finish with one small loss on the front corner molding of each side, with scattered cracks and marks due to age and shrinkage. Serial Number-.;