Winchester Model 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon 10 GA Blank Only Post-1975

SOLD FOR: $2,448.00

LSB#: WY241111LP001

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

Model: 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon

Serial Number: 003353

Year of Manufacture: 1975-2019, 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 iron carriage with metal wheels. The carriage shows only light handling marks, there is scattered light wear on the wheels. The markings on the carriage are clear. Overall, the carriage is in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Black

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are only minor handling marks, faint operational wear, and minor storage marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this cannon is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: There is nothing to indicate that this cannon will not function properly. 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. Twenty (20) Winchester blank cartridges are included as well as four (4) primed cases. 

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 in great condition. It comes with its original packing crate. 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