Yesterday in Chesterfield County (South Richmond) Virginia (4) original cannon barrels from a private local collection were sold at auction. The auction house was Alexander's Antiques. Also included were a large number of swords, knives, revolvers, rifles, buttons, buckles, pictures, and assorted period trinkets. Below is the info on the gun tubes.

(1) Model 1857 bronze Napoleon. Henry N. Hooper and Co. Boston MA.
muzzle face markings: HNH & Co., No. 249, 1233 lbs.,C.J., 1863
no trunnion markings
high bid: $54,000 plus buyer's premium

(1) Model 1841 bronze six pounder. Ames Manufacturing Co.
Ames Manufacturing Co. on right trunnion
muzzle face markings: 111 (that was all)
high bid: $50,000 plus buyer's premium

(1) Model 1855 3 inch ordnance rifle
Phoenix Iron Company on right trunnion
muzzle face markings: P.I. Co., 1865, 816 lbs., S.C.L. No. 855
high bid: $20,000 plus buyer's premium

(1) Model 1855 3 inch ordnance rifle
Phoenix Iron Company on right trunnion
muzzle face markings: P.I. Co., 1865, 816 lbs., S.C.L. No. 846
high bid: $17,000 plus buyers premium

Both ordnance rifle tubes were stamped US on top of the tube at the trunnions. All four tubes were in very good condition with rear sight mounts still attached with all screws. None had front sight blades. The two bronze guns had pristine vent hole inserts. All four tubes were claimed to have been recovered near the Gaines Mill/Cold Harbor area.

I thought this information would of interest to some of you fellow red legs. Especially any members of the 1st Michigan Artillery (Robinson's Battery) that now holds Wayne Starkes registry of surviving artillery. It was a real treat to see these pieces. And I was a little surprised at the what I thought was a low selling price. I do have some pics if anyone is interested.

Keith