The product is a rare vintage 12 pound Napoleon gun howitzer by Centennial Guns of Gaston, North Carolina. This historical piece would be a valuable addition to any collection of vintage and antique toys, especially for those interested in lead toys and figures. Its unique design and historical significance make it a standout item for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Needs very minor repair for strap on side and clasp see photos
Model “Centennial Guns” 1861-65 12 Pound Napoleon Howitzer Canon 1 Inch Scale.Original era manufacture. An extremely well made, HEAVY miniature bronze Napoleon field gun of all metal construction: brass barrel and iron carriage and wheels.• There is a perfect condition decal on the bottom of the trail giving the name of the maker, “Centennial Guns of Gastonia N.C. “• The brass gun tube measures 6 inches in length and is drilled through to the touch hole, the overall length being 11.5 inches. Muzzle Face is also marked.• Rope, chains, bucket, and are present. • Paint is perfect. The rammer and worm are missing, but could be easily fashioned by any modeler. All of the other fittings are present.Industrialist, inventor, philanthropist, Naval historian, Civil War artillery specialist, civic leader, John Hanby Foard produced a small run of EXACTING artillery pieces, each numbered, over 50 years ago during Civil War Centennial. This is one of them. • “With the coming Civil War centennial, Foard began in 1960 to research and produce a miniature replica of the Model 1857 12-pound Napoleon Gun-Howitzer as a gift for his customers. The cannons received so much publicity that in 1961 he formed Centennial Guns, a division of Kluttz, to manufacture serial numbered cannons for sale as collector's items. For his contributions in preserving military history, he was elected a member of the Company of Military Historians. On 6 April 1962, the commanding general of Fort Sill, Okla., conferred upon Foard a Certificate of Membership in the Ancient Order of Artillerists in recognition of his keen interest in preserving the history of artillery