4610

LYLE LIFE SAVING MUZZLE LOADING CANNON.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
LYLE LIFE SAVING MUZZLE LOADING CANNON.
Cal. 2.5". S# 1560. 28" steel tapered barrel attached to iron sled with large bronze collar. Brass maker's plaque rear of threaded capped vent reads: "SCULLER SAFTEY CORP / No. 1560 / 122 BROAD STREET / NEW YORK". Barrel is serial numbered and inspected on muzzle "1560" & "J.R.H." & "MMI". Also inspected forward of vent "F / TJC". David Lyle a West Point & MIT graduate perfected the line throwing cannon in 1880s. They were used to great effect throwing weighted projectiles with lines attached over the ship that was breaking up close to shore. They would then pull a larger line from the ship to shore and secure it for rescue operations. They were also used ship to ship. The US Life Saving Service & US Coast Guard had hundreds of these Lyle guns by many manufacturers. They became obsolete in 1952 with US Navy adoption of Schermuly rockets. Sculler was a major manufacturer of several thousand guns circa WW2. Total weight about 200 pounds. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of ASAC article by John Spangler on inventor David Lyle and long history of his line throwing guns that saved thousands of lives in maritime rescues. CONDITION: very good overall, clean smooth bore, very good vent and steel screwed cap, barrel has mostly smooth patina with remnants of black paint. Sled has heavy iron patina. PROVENANCE: From the estate collection of Thomas J. Mulligan. (02-19740/JS). $1,500-2,500.