A 20th century bronze 'Lyle' type naval life saving cannon

C.C. GALBRAITH & SON, NEW YORK; CA. 1940

Details

A 20th century bronze 'Lyle' type naval life saving cannon
C.C. Galbraith & Son, New York; ca. 1940
a muzzle loading deck mounted cannon with a bronze barrel with a 3 in. bore. The original brass carriage is of the "skid" type, relief-cast and signed "C.C. GALBRAITH & SON, INC. NEW YORK, N.Y. U.S.A." on both sides of the carriage also stamped around the muzzle "C.C. GALBRAITH & SON U.S.N. D652 USCG", and the top of the carriage is stamped on both sides "U.S.N. D652 USCG". Fitted with a pin stop elevation adjuster, bolted touch hole and other details.
20 x 39 in. (50.8 x 99 cm.)

Literature

According to J.P. Barnett in "The Lifesaving Guns of David Lyle," Town & Country Press, Plymouth, Indiana, 1976,

Lot Essay

This model, with trunion collar cast as part of the barrel, went into production in 1940. This was the last model Galbraith made and in many ways represents the epitome of Lyle Gun development. Though heavier than various other guns, and lacking the ability to stow flat, the later Galbraith/Lyle guns provided reasonable portability, very good finished appearance, and good stability. Galbraith company officials indicate that Galbraith produced about 1,400 guns, the greater half after about 1940.

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