Five years of American Civil War led to considerable experimentation with ordnance and artillery. In 1844 the work of one man, Lieut. Thomas Jefferson Rodman, aimed to overcome difficulties of casting large cannon and this led to the eventual production of 286 massive 15" cannons. Their sheer size and weight resulted in use as fortress guns.
A superb and unique brass model on a wooden base and measuring 24" x 9" x 10 1/4" high ( 60cm x 23cm x 26cm).