An exact scale model of the remarkable artillery piece "Long Cecil"

A superbly crafted, circa 1900, exact scale model of the remarkable artillery piece "Long Cecil" designed and built for the defence of Kimberly (famous for the Kimberly Diamond Mine) during the siege of Kimberly - Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902.

This model, in 1 to 12 scale, of steel, brass and wood was built by Pratt & Whitney, Hartford, CT (famous designers and builders of machine tools in the 19th century, and famous for aircraft engines in the 20th century). The full size "Long Cecil" was designed by the American mining engineer George Labram, and built under his supervision in the Kimberly machine shops as an emergency measure to defend the town of Kimberly while the town was besieged by 5,000 Boers with artillery support. Cecil Rhodes was in Kimberly at the time and gave Labram his complete support.

The creation of this cannon was considered an engineering marvel....and "Long Cecil" still exists as a War Memorial in Kimberly, South Africa.

This model originally stood in a mahogany and glass case, with silver identification plaque. The glass case has gone and only the display  base with the identification plaque remains to support the model. There is ab identification mark stamped on the left side of the carriage stating reproduction of " Long Cecil " made in Kimberly South Africa during The Siege 1899-1900. Scale 1:12

The model features working breech mechanism and elevation function. The barrel is even rifled in a polygroove manner as was the original cannon. This model was built for display only, and will in no way fire a projectile!

The accuracy and craftsmanship of this model represents the best of the period, as one would expect from a  craftsman of a major machine tool manufacturer. The model is in excellent original condition and retains 95% original finish with very minor age-patina.

Cannon Dimensions: Barrel Length: 10 inches: overall length: 16 inches. Wheel Diameter. 5 inches.