✅ SOLVED Cannon??

[Ripcon]

Here is an iron item I found at a Louisiana plantation. It measures 8'' long and appears to have been spring loaded. I don't have calipers but the bore is around .40 calibre. Was the some type of signal cannon or homemade weapon of some sort? Both Confederate and Union troops occupied the grounds around this plantation. The house burned 100 years ago. Any help would be appreciated.

 

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[callicles]

Great find, Ripcon. This site is full off experts. I can't wait to read what they say! Great find, regardless!!!'

 

[Leatherneck2111]

Looks like a signal or trap gun. They were used to signal that an animal (or person) was caught in a trap or as a security alarm.....or as a booby trap to wound or kill whoever/whatever tripped it. Some were locally produced by blacksmiths and some were factory made.

 

[Ripcon]

Thanks!

 

[tamrock]

Interesting find. I can't find any other that looks like yours, but it was interesting to read a little on these early devices. Could be a find with a little monetary value if it's maybe found to be one of the only few surviving examples of it, but again maybe it's like what L.2111 mentioned as a one off blacksmith made item

 

[Ripcon]

I appreciate the responses. I'll classify this find as a signal-trap gun. That's what I like about this hobby, you never know what you're going to find. I had never heard of such a device until now.
I'm new to this site and can't wait to post a few other items to see if they can be identified.