RM1462 19th century Folk Art wooden cannon with the date ‘1770’ painted on top. This wooden cannon replica was most likely used as a display prop in a Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Hall – with the date representing the style of cannon it is modeled after. Similar to today’s American Legion or V.F.W., the G.A.R. was the primary association for Civil War veterans of the Union Army. Founded in 1866, the G.A.R. was among the first organized advocacy groups in American politics, appealing for voting rights for black veterans, providing patriotic education, lobbying the United States Congress to establish regular veterans' pensions, and supporting Republican political candidates. The G.A.R. was instrumental in making Memorial Day a national holiday. Solid wood. Approximate measurements: 34” long x 4 ¾” diameter x ~11” across the section where the turret mounts are located.
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