SMALL MORTAR & LARGE SIGNAL CANNON.

1) LARGE IRON SIGNAL CANNON OR “THUNDER MUG”. Measures 8" x 7 1/2". Bore is 2 1/8" across. Touch hole is approx. 3" up from the base. An extremely heavy signal cannon used to launch flares high into the air. CONDITION: entire surface has a dark mottled oxidized finish. 2) SMALL MORTAR OR CANNON. Tube measures 9 3/4" x 9 3/4" across the trunnions. Wooden base measures approximately 13 1/2" x 9 1/2". There is a touch hole at the top & the tube is held to the base w/ 2 iron U bolts. There is an old typewritten tag nailed to the front of the wooden base that reads, “SIGNAL CANNON Used to give a signal to open and shut the gates of the old Johnstown canal. Purchased in 1826. The cannon was washed away in the Johnstown flood but was later recovered under 12’ of sand and gravel when construction workers were building the new Johnstown bridge.” CONDITION: mortar/cannon tube is in relic condition w/ heavy encrusted oxidation. The wood is degraded & shows the ravages of being buried/submerged for many years. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of John "Tim" Breth Jr. (02-13836/BF). $500-1,000.