Description
Large-Scale Napoleon III Pattern .69 Caliber Black-Powder Cannon
This is a large-scale Napoleon III pattern replica cannon with a bright steel / nickel-finished smoothbore barrel, hardwood field carriage, metal-rimmed spoked wheels, and artillery-style loading and cleaning accessories. The size, construction, wheel pattern, and barrel form are most consistent with the Spanish-made Jukar / Ardesa / Traditions / CVA Napoleon III type reproduction cannons sold as functional black-powder miniature field pieces.
Napoleon III Pattern Replica Cannon
This cannon is a modern reproduction, not an original Napoleonic or Civil War artillery piece. It is patterned after 19th-century field artillery styling, with a scaled field carriage, trunnion-mounted barrel, long trail, spoked wheels, metal wheel rims, axle hardware, and display accessories.
The barrel appears to be the large .69 caliber smoothbore type. Published specifications for comparable Traditions / Ardesa Napoleon III models list a 14.5-inch smoothbore barrel, 11.5-inch wheel diameter, approximately 11.5 to 12.25-inch height, and a weight in the 15 to 18 pound range. Ball diameter is listed by different sources as approximately .680 to .690.
Specifications
Pattern: Napoleon III style replica cannon
Type: Modern black-powder miniature / scale cannon
Caliber: Approximately .69 caliber
Barrel: Bright steel / nickel-finished smoothbore
Barrel Length: Approximately 14.5 inches
Wheel Diameter: Approximately 11.5 inches
Height: Approximately 11.5 inches
Weight: Approximately 15 pounds
Carriage: Hardwood field carriage with metal-rimmed wheels
Accessories: Loading / cleaning rods and artillery-style fittings
Construction / Configuration / Pattern
The cannon has a bright smoothbore barrel mounted on a hardwood field carriage. The barrel is retained by metal trunnion hardware and sits between two large spoked wheels. The wheels have dark stained wood spokes and hubs with bright metal outer rims.
The carriage has the long trail form associated with field artillery, with rear hardware and a small drag or trail fitting. The cannon includes rod-style accessories, including a brush / sponge implement and a loading or ramming rod. Small chains, pins, and carriage fittings give the piece a complete miniature artillery appearance.
The overall build is more substantial than a desk model. It is a working-scale black-powder reproduction intended for display and, where legally permitted and properly inspected, live black-powder use.
Historical Context / Pattern Development
The “Napoleon” field cannon name refers to the 19th-century French 12-pounder gun-howitzer associated with Napoleon III. In American collecting use, the term is also strongly tied to the Model 1857 12-pounder Napoleon, one of the best-known field guns of the Civil War period.
Modern Napoleon III replica cannons were made as scaled black-powder pieces for collectors, shooters, and Civil War artillery enthusiasts. Spanish makers such as Jukar and Ardesa produced a number of black-powder arms and cannon models that were later sold through importers and retailers including CVA and Traditions.
This example fits that family of large-scale .69 caliber miniature field guns. The bright barrel, hardwood carriage, metal-rimmed wheels, and approximate dimensions match the commonly encountered large Napoleon III pattern. Some were sold assembled, while others were supplied as kits, so minor variation in finish, wood color, accessories, and fitting details is normal.
Condition
This cannon presents in very good display condition. The bright barrel shows light handling marks and mild surface wear, but retains a clean polished appearance. The bore and muzzle present well.
The hardwood carriage has an attractive dark finish with visible grain, handling marks, small scuffs, and light finish wear. The metal-rimmed wheels are intact and give the cannon a strong field-artillery profile. The carriage hardware, trunnion caps, axle fittings, trail hardware, and small chains remain present.
The included brush / sponge and loading rod add useful display value. Overall, this is a well-presented large-scale Napoleon III pattern black-powder cannon, suitable as a display piece or as a functional reproduction after proper inspection.
