This is a signal cannon on its original base, different because of the way the brass and wood base are made. It is a breech loading cannon with a muzzle ID of 7/8.
Category
Militaria
Medium
Brass
Distinguishing marks
no foundry markings
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
total 18"; muzzle to breech 14"
Date Period
1880s approximately
Weight
about 14 pounds
History
as a young child on the Jersey Shore, my grandfather told me it had belonged to his dad.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
was my grandchildren's great great great grandfather's
These small canon were most often used to signal the start of Yachting races at the late 19th Century through the 1930's. Examples like yours sell for about $3500.00.
Lovejoy
Antique Signal Cannon