This is my copy of the U.S. Army Gunner’s Quadrant, used by both field and heavy artillery from the Mexican-American War (1846-48) through the Ciivl War (1861-65) and beyond.
It is patterned directly from the description and drawings in Alfred Mordecai’s Artillery for the United States Land Service (1849). Mordecai documented everything pertaining to artillery, including cannons, implements, tools, and apparatus as they appeared in U.S. Army service just after the Mexican-American War (1846-48).
I also consulted John Gibbon’s The Artillerist’s Manual (1860); John G. Benton’s Ordnance and Gunnery (1862); The Ordnance Manual For The Use of the Officers of the United States Army (1861); and six extant quadrants in private collections. Click here for the specific documentary citations.
I decided to make Gunner’s Quadrants because there is no ready source for quality, accurate reproductions. The few I’ve seen are either one-off items or they’re made with modern techniques and machinery. My goal here was to develop the patterns, process, and knowledge to make Gunner’s Quadrants to order, using period correct materials, techniques, and finishes. Customers for such specialty items include living historians, competition shooters, and museums that do public demonstrations with 19th century artillery. All demand top quality work that looks and functions just like original pieces.
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Learn more about what Gunner’s Quadrants are and how they are used!
Find out how I made my quadrants, some of my design choices, and see photos of them being made!
Photos of my Gunner’s Quadrants!
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