Bullet and Shell Civil War Projectiles Forum

Author Topic: Coehorn Mortars  (Read 4031 times)

24thMichigan

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Coehorn Mortars
« on: October 14, 2015, 10:40:06 PM »
I am seeking practical information on 24 pounder Coehorn Mortars like this Paulson reproduction.  Maybe a reenactor or someone who has owned and maintained one?

24thMichigan

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2015, 11:46:16 PM »
I spoke with some cannon makers and got my questions answered.  I picked up a nice reproduction 24 pounder Coehorn that strangely enough popped up on Craig's List near me.  Had to have it but it was badly in need of cleaning and I wasn't sure where to start.  Now i've had a week-long crash course in the care and feeding of this little beast!

John D. Bartleson Jr.

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2015, 08:58:53 AM »
Well now, how about several views of yo0ur brass beast??
Regards,
John

24thMichigan

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2015, 02:05:36 PM »
Sure John, here you go............

24thMichigan

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #4 on: October 20, 2015, 02:13:52 PM »
One more

divedigger

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2015, 04:10:54 PM »
Sure is pretty

24thMichigan

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2015, 04:57:03 PM »
It cleaned up really well.  I liked the appearance of the patina it had developed, but the bore needed cleaning and there were some isolated spots of mild erosion on the outside of the tube.  Having no idea of what it had come in contact with or how it had been cleaned/stored in the past, I decided to thoroughly clean and polish it.  Now I know there is nothing eating away at it and it can develop it's patina safely.  I went by photos of new reproductions.  When I can afford it, I am going to have Steen Cannons build the historically correct bed for it, as shown in attached photo.  Should be really cool when it is done.

24thMichigan

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2015, 05:03:24 PM »
Although very nicely done, the bed that the prior owner had built for it was incorrect.  I offered to buy just the tube and after some negotiation that worked out. 

24thMichigan

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2015, 05:08:08 PM »
Here is a original 24 pounder Coehorn:

John D. Bartleson Jr.

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Re: Coehorn Mortars
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2015, 09:51:09 AM »
Iti is a beauty alright. I use to own a 24pdr case shot and it was heavy, I thought, I can't imagine a crew firing it. All you need is a ball to go with it.
Regards,
John