Early US Army Napoleons at Petersburg National Battlefield
US Army 12-Pounder Napoleon, Ames Number 12, is displayed at Petersburg National Battlefield
Two early examples of US Army 12-Pounder "Napoleons" are displayed at Petersburg National Battlefield. Having handles above their trunnions, they are among the first examples of the 12-Pounder, Light, Pattern 1857 manufactured for the US Army. According to the registry in Olmstead et al., Petersburg National Battlefield displays Ames Manufacturing Numbers 1 and 12. Number 12, cast in 1861, is displayed outside, which leads me to believe that it is Ames Number 1, cast in 1857, is part of a display of the detritus of battle in the visitor's center. As I didn't think the Park Rangers would appreciate me jumping into said display, I am afraid I don't have closeups of the muzzle of the second Napoleon for you.
If my identifications are correct, the two Napoleons are:
US Army 12-Pounder Bronze Field Gun, Light, Pattern 1857, Ames Manufacturing Co. Number 1, cast in 1857. Number 1 weighs 1,187 pounds.
US Army 12-Pounder Bronze Field Gun, Light, Pattern 1857, Ames Manufacturing Co. Number 12, cast in 1861. Number 12 weighs 1,230 pounds.
I believe this Napoleon to be Ames Number 1, cast in 1857
Additional Photos of Ames Number 12
Additional Photos of Ames Number 1
The Napoleon I believe to be Ames Number 1 in the exhibit at Petersburg
