A LINE THROWING GUN BY D. KAHNWEILER & SONS NEW YORK, CIRCA 1880

heavily cast in brass with 2½in. smooth bore, stamped around the muzzle with maker's name and numbered 1705, 24in. two stage barrel with touch hole and trunnions mounted on a wooden carriage with heavy iron ring bolts and plaque inscribed SIGNAL CANNON / FROM P/S 'TRIDENT' / OF THE / GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION CO LTD / H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA AND H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT / TRAVELLED FROM LEITH TO LONDON IN THIS VESSEL IN 1842 / THE ORIGINAL GUN CARRIAGE WAS DESTROYED DURING THE BOMBING OF LONDON IN 1941 -- 17 x 40in. (43 x 101.5cm)

The Honourable Company of Master Mariners; Presented by the General Steam Navigation Company in 1949.

David Kahnweiler (1828-1898) was born in Bavaria and known to be in Pennsylvania in 1861, by 1880 he was established in New York with the US Federal Census recording him living at E. 57th St NY listed as a 'Life Preserver Manufacturer'. This lot is very similar to the Lyle 'Type C' line throwing cannon adopted by the US life-saving service in 1878 suggesting it's of a similar vintage. The connection to P.S. Trident seems tenuous as she was removed from the Register in 1878.

Condition Report

good overall condition

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.