Additional History of Saluting Cannons        (Back to the 'CannonStore.com')

The Winchester Model 98 breech-loading cannon was introduced in Winchester's March 1903 catalog, and was manufactured at their New Haven Connecticut factory until 1958. During the 55 years of Winchester production, over 18,000 were produced.

Winchester Cannons..

The following was referenced from the orriginal Winchester's March 1903 Catalog

Winchester Breech Loading Cannon for Saluting and Celebrating- This cannon has been designed to suppy a general demand for a low-price breech-loading cannon possessing saftey, simplicity of construction, and ease of manipulation. All these desirable features are combined in this gun. It can be used either paper or brass shells loaded with 8 drams of black powder, with two Black Edge and on card wad, to produce the loudest report. This cannon has so few parts that it cannot readily get out of order or cause any trouble in its operation. If can easily be dismounted, if necessary. Description: Tis cannon consists of a 12-inch tapered, rolled-steel barrel, cylinder bored, mounted on a shapely cast iron carriage, substantially built, whice is supplied with two heavy wheels at the foeward end 3 5/8 inches in diameter. The barrel and breech closure are proved and tested to withstand a much greater pressure than can be developed by any charge of black powder that can be loaded in a 10 gauge shell. The carriage and wheels are nicely japanned, the barrel blued, and breech closure hardened black giving the gun a very neat appearance. The length of the cannon over all is 17 inches, its height is 71/4 inchesand itswidth is 7 inches.

Operation: The cannon is opened (1) by pushing down on the hammer, (2) pulling up the breech-bolt handle, and (3) letting down on the breech- bolt, thus exposing the chamber. The shell can then be inserted and the gun closed in the reverse order. The breech-bolt is so constructedthat the gun cannot be fired until it is locked, thus insuring its safety. To fire the gun, the hammer is pulled forward by a quick pull on a cord which is passed through the hole in the rear of the hammer, drilled for that purpose. A proper extractoris provided for extracting the fired shell. The mainspring is made of sufficient strength to avoid misfires. The barrel can be raised or lowered by an elevating screw placed underneath it. This cannon will be found satisfactory for Fourth of July and other celebrations, and for saluting. As the shells for it are not expensive, almost anybody can afford to own one. Both the cannon and 10 gauge Winchester shells (paper or brass) can be procured of all dealers.

Price List
12 inch, 10 gauge, rolled steel, cylinder bored, blue barrel, cast irion frame
Weight about 12lbs, $7.00
Blank cartridges, 10 gauge, 8 drams of powder, per 1,000 - 28.00

Note: The 'CannonStore.com' no longer carries Winchester Cannons