Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Archives for artillery

Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum

August 23, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum Continentals’ Rhode Island National Guard-issued 1903 field gun and limber has been moved to the Benefit Street Arsenal (BSA) Museum as part of a 2-year loan deal between the two organizations.

This incredible piece of early 20th-century artillery (with its original paint and patina) will be on display in their main hall. The BSA is essentially the birthplace and home of Rhode Island’s artillery units. The Rhode Island 103rd Field Artillery Unit likely used this gun in training before heading off to Europe.

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum currently does not have the space to publicly display this amazing piece, so we are thrilled for it to be on public display in a beautiful location.

1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
Benefit Street State Arsenal in Providence, RI
Benefit Street State Arsenal in Providence, RI
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun at the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun at the Benefit Street State Arsenal

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: artillery, varnum memorial armory, world war I

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Rhode Island Civil War Artillery Officer’s Frock Coat

February 12, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat

This Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat and pants belonged to a member of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. James E. Chace.  His unit was a storied regiment with a lot of combat experience in many of the biggest battles of the Eastern theater. At Gettysburg, Chace was a member of Battery G as a Lieutenant. He later became a Captain in Battery B.

The shoulder board on this frock coat shows that it was originally for a Lieutenant and then a single bar was later added to make it right for a Captain. So, it is quite likely this jacket was a witness to the great Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863.  So far, we’ve spent about 8 hours cleaning these items. They were both covered in moth cocoon remnants and waste. It’s tedious work; removing the waste without also removing fragile fabric or making existing holes bigger. It requires great care and slow progress. But the result is very rewarding.

Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, artillery, civil war, clothing, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURE EXHIBIT] Artillery Sponge/Rammer, and Worm for Civil War James Canon

March 30, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum

We had a great time at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show!  Our collection now has a fantastic artillery sponge/rammer and worm for the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s Civil War James gun.

This set has its original paint and appears to have been actually used in the field to load and swab the bore of a 6-pounder cannon.  It comes from the Valley Forge Historical Society, having been acquired by them in the 1910s.  The collection at that time was said to have come from Antietam and Gettysburg; both not too far from Valley Forge. It’s amazing that the lambs wool (or carpet?) still remains on the sponge head!  This is extremely rare!  Book a tour to see this exciting piece.

New accessories for the James Canon
New accessories for the James Canon
New accessories for the James Canon
New accessories for the James Canon
New accessories for the James Canon
New accessories for the James Canon

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, artillery, canon, civil war, james canon, varnum memorial armory

Historic Canons at the Varnum Memorial Armory

July 19, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

In addition to a comprehensive military museum of smaller items, the Varnum Memorial Armory features numerous historic canons from both the Revolutionary War and Civil War.  The following gallery provides a sample of our artillery exhibits.

The Varnum Armory is available for tours by appointment only.  To book a tour, call 401-885-4110, send an email, or fill out this online booking form!

Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
The Varnum Armory collection includes a very rare and good example of a James 6-pounder cannon.
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Historic Canons and Artillery at the Varnum Memorial Armory

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: artillery, canons, civil war, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts

  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!
  • Watch the Varnum Armory on Rhode Island Wave!

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