Winchester Model 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon 10 GA Blank Only, 1976

SOLD FOR: $3,500.00

LSB#: WY241111LP002 

Make: Bellmore-Johnson Tool Co. under license from Winchester

Model: 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon, 1976 American Bicentennial Edition

Serial Number: 000794

Year of Manufacture: 1976, ATF Non-Firearm

Caliber: 10 Gauge BLANK ONLY

Action Type: Breech-Loading Blank-Firing Signal/Salute Cannon

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MFG. BY THE BELLMORE – JOHNSON TOOL CO. / HAMDEN, CT. U.S.A. – UNDER LICENSE FROM – / _WINCHESTER_ DIV., OLIN CORP.” and with the serial number. The top is marked “USE 10 GA. BLANK ONLY”. Each side of the carriage has “W.R.A.Co / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into the outside.

Barrel Length: 12″

Approximate Overall Dimensions, Assembled: W: 8″, H: 8″, L: 16″

Sights / Optics: None.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The gun is mounted on a cast brass carriage with rubber-tire wheels. The carriage shows light handling marks, some casting imperfections, and scattered light tarnish. The markings on the carriage are clear. Overall, the carriage is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is some light tarnish, mostly in the chamber, but little sign of use. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some scattered light tarnish, faint operational wear, and minor storage marks, nothing that wouldn’t polish out. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this cannon is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with the carriage mount as described, the cannon is housed in a Winchester Breech Loading Cannon crate with lid (standard crate, not the presentation crate). A 10 GA single brass casing is included with a Parker Bros. headstamp. The crate has scattered cracking.

Our Assessment: Originally offered in Winchester’s 1903 catalog, the 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon is a 10 Gauge blank-firing cannon intended for signaling and saluting celebrations such as the 4th of July as well as good clean fun firing off black powder blank shells. Produced for more than a century, production was licensed to the Bellmore Johnson Company just a few miles from the original Winchester factory in 1975. This is a Bellmore Johnson produced example, and it is a fairly rare variant. Most were black-painted cast iron, but for the American Bicentennial in 1976 these cannons were produced in brass. It comes with a Winchester signal cannon crate and a single Parker Bros. 10 gauge brass case. This will be a great addition to any Winchester collection as well as being a fun piece to take out to the range. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud