Very Rare 1 of 2 Karl J. Furr Arms Scaled Down Brass Cannon Cal 1.75″
SOLD FOR: $10,024.99
LSB#: 231109JL001
Make: Furr Arms
Model: Scaled-Down Replica HMS Victory Naval Deck Gun
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Modern, ATF Antique
Caliber: Approximately 1.75?
Action Type: Muzzle-Loading Black Powder Fuse-Ignited Smoothbore Cannon
Markings: None
Barrel Length: Approximately 29”
Sights / Optics: None
Stock Configuration & Condition: The cannon is mounted on a trunnion mount with a wooden four wheeled carriage. Featuring six gun tackle loops, two breeching ringbolts, train tackle loop, stool bed and quoin, two capsquares with eyebolts and two capsquare joint bolts with keys and chains . The brass fixtures show light wear, scattered scratches and scuff marks, with some tarnishing in a few spots. The wood portions of the carriage show light wear with minor nicks, scuffs and scratch marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the carriage assembly is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bore is bright.
Overall Condition: This cannon retains about 96-97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear. The brass shows some scattered light wear, small dings, scuffs and scratches. There are a few spots that are tarnished. The flash-hole is not obstructed. Overall, this cannon rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: There is nothing to indicate that this cannon will not function properly. We did not fire this cannon.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This carriage mounted deck gun also includes a sponge chain, ramrod, and 5 brass cannon balls with a wooden stand. Each ball measures 1.75” in diameter and weighs approximately 14 ounces.
Our Assessment: The HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. She was ordered in 1758, laid down in 1759, and launched in 1765. With 246 years of service as of 2024, she is the world’s oldest naval vessel still in commission. With painstaking detail, Karl and/or Keith Furr hand-crafted this brass cannon as a faithful reproduction of a HMS Victory Deck Gun, a type of naval cannon which saw use on many ships during the 17th and 18th centuries. Victory is best known for her role as Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. She additionally served as Keppel’s flagship at Ushant, Howe’s flagship at Cape Spartel and Jervis’s flagship at Cape St Vincent. After 1824, she was relegated to the role of harbor ship. In 1922, she was moved to a dry dock at Portsmouth, England, and preserved as a museum ship. She has been the flagship of the First Sea Lord since October 2012.
This example is a scaled-down replica of an HMS Victory deck gun manufactured by Furr Arms, this is one of only two ever made. The bright and shiny yellow brass is stunning and the attention to detail is incredible, from the cannon to its mount and carriage. Karl Furr, later joined by his son Keith Furr, is renowned for his craftsmanship and the detail of scaled-down versions such as this one. Even the most dedicated collector may not have room for a full-size twelve-pounder, but this scale replica is perfectly sized to display. Should you so choose, it should also be a little more economical to shoot than a full-size cannon, as well as being easier to find a proper venue for that sort of shooting. This beautiful Deck Gun is in Great shape only showing light wear, it has been well maintained. Includes 5 brass cannon balls, and a ramrod. A truly unique piece that is a must have for any Naval, Military or Historical collection. We do not see Cannons come up for auction very often, and less so of this quality. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
-Robert
