This rare French Bronze Model 1756 Naval Cannon has a 2 1/4 Inch Bore. Marked No. 89 on trunnion, 142 on the other as the weight in French pounds. From markings this cannon was originally swivel mounted with a tiller/monkey tail projection at the breech but it was trimmed for use on a Naval carriage like the one it is currently set upon. The muzzle shows markings consistent with heavy firing. This design shows the stepped reinforce design common to cannons of this period, and this one is similar to the larger Model 1786 French cannons.
It is rare for French cannons from the pre-French Revolution period to survive as most were melted down for their valuable bronze and recast into other cannons or artillery. Surviving examples of this cannon type are extremely rare and the Springfield Arsenal noted that this was the only example to be found in their research.
