Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Archives for james canon

[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

Beer Tasting Fundraiser to Feature Rare Civil War Canon

October 29, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

In preparation for our Guns & Beer VI Annual Beer Tasting Fundraiser (Saturday, November 14), we successfully moved the Civil War James cannon (click here for more information about this canon) from our canon shed to the Varnum Memorial Armory’s drill hall today.

This very rare 19th century canon is being brought out as a special treat to our beer tasting attendees. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

Varnum Continentals move the rare James canon to the Varnum Armory Drill Hall.
Varnum Continentals move the rare James canon to the Varnum Armory Drill Hall.

Special thanks go to Gordon Kilday (Quonset Auto Body) who provided a flat bed truck for the move and to truck operator Mike Corey along with several Varnum member volunteer assistance.

Filed Under: Varnum Fundraisers Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, guns and beer, james canon

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon

September 19, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

It took some work at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, but the Bull Run cannon’s gun tube is finally free of packed trash. We tried compressed air and plumbing augers, but what worked (with a lot of effort) was an American Civil War-period artillery worm! An unconventional use of an historic artifact, perhaps, but it got the job done.

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

  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet
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