Item #53086 : Original era manufacture. This is an original 10 Gauge, breech-loading signal cannon produced by Winchester beginning around 1902. Terri and I purchased this during our first visit to England in1984, from a small antique shop in the hinterlands of northern England, the proprietor of the shop, looking as if he was sent from Central Casting for a Harry Potter movie. It has sat on our fireplace hearth ever since. Now making room for new acquisitions, its time to find a new home for our old friend. On the top of the barrel is a patent date of 1901 with a blurred line of information regarding the Winchester company, and on the bottom of the barrel and band, a matching serial number of 172. Original black gloss paint remains on the carriage and wheels, with an old silver paint finish on the barrel. Dark steel patina finish where the paint is worn. The metal brace that holds the elevating screw in place is cracked, and for some reason the breech cover has been removed and is now missing. These old cannon have been replicated for many years, so perhaps the missing parts can be salvaged from one of those. In any case, it is a wonderful old door stop or hearth decorator.