Rare Brass Noon Gun on Leveling Base, English, circa 1880
InformationFine and rare brass noon-gun cannon. The noon gun has a circular polished brass base which is supported by a brass pillar base with three brass leveling feet. Mounted to the top is a finely turned brass cannon mounted on a pair of brass stanchions, and it can swing up and down. Recessed into the base is a small round compass with an engraved silver dial with compass markings. At the sides and inlaid into the base are horizontal and vertical spirit levels which indicate when the cannon is level. Inside the level are brass quarter round engraved stanchions that support a small magnifying glass that is set into a brass ring which are held by a pair of brass arms that pivot up and down and can be locked in place by a brass knob. The curved stanchions have engraved marking for the elevation angle. At the back of the base is a brass gnome at the center of a fan engraved sun dial. This noon-gun is one of the true original examples I have seen and the workmanship quality is first rate. (I 1018)
Condition: Excellent.
Provenance: Paul DeCoste, Newburyport, MA.
Dimensions: Base Diameter 3 1/2 inches, Height 4 1/2 inches.
circa 1880
