Model Breech loading howitzer after 4.5 inch British WW 1 Howitzer

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Breech loading howitzer after 4.5 inch British WW 1 Howitzer Hand built  2023-2024

Working model inspired by the iconic WW 1 British 4.5 inch howitzer which with the Ordnance QF 18 pounder were mainstay battlefield artillery  in WW 1 on the allied side.  Entirely scratch/hand made  of brass over 600  hours ,   at 1:8 scale, weighs  30 pounds.  Wheels The wheels are antique wood and steel hub and rim construction with 10 spoke and solid rubber tires. Carriage is built up from brass plate using silver solder techniques.Gun carrier body and 4 degree traverseThe bronze gun carrier body  pivots on a half inch bolt by rotating  a small brass drive wheel with period correct 4 degree traverse by means of a threaded traversing bolt. Elevation is achieved turning the brass elevating wheel on the left side and behind the breech area via a worm gear and elevation quadrants to change the angle of the barrel. Gun shield is hinged and can be folded down, or can be deployed in the upward position using the attached slot bolts. Wheel brakesThe right side wheel brake works via a rotating screw gear operated by the handle on the outer right side of the gun shield. The wheels can be locked by tightening the brake and turnbuckle. Gun sights Adjustable Coaxial sights are mounted on the left side of the trunnions which rotate as the gun barrel elevates. Recoil apparatus spring based recoil system attached to the lower end lobe of the breech block  allows 2  inches of recoil. Manual traverse lever is mounted on the trail and retained by a spring clip in the door of the hinged trail compartment.. Gun shovel and limber are mounted on the back of the trail  of solid brass construction. Barrel and breech lathe turned from rotocast bronze with  68 caliber  smooth bore. The breech is built up from machined brass components soldered and bolted and machined to take a custom made modified 37 caliber blank  shotgun primer holder  and is secured to the barrel by a 4 40 bolt from the left side of the breech with witness marks. Breech Block The square cross section breech block operates on a right operated horizontal sliding breech principle with a lock on the operating grip which unlocks the cammed breech mechanism, allowing a clockwise 180 degree sweep which opens the breech via a cam on top of the breech block . The blank is fired by tapping the removable firing pin with a hammer. Note this cannon cannot chamber or fire 38 or other commercial ammunition.   Price firm.