Winchester Cannon Barrel Roll Marking
The photos below show the markings stamped into the barrels of original Winchester produced cannons from 1903-1958.
"Not For Ball"
"-Winchester- Trade Mark Reg. U.S. Pat Off & Fgn"
"Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, Conn. U.S.A. Patented August 20, 1901 10 GA"
Lastly here are a part identification number (626) and the Winchester proof mark. This identification number was stamped into both the barrel and trunnion. During production both the barrel and trunnion are threaded then locked together. This id number was used to identify barrels and trunnions with compatible timing (position of the barrel's features with regard to it's placement in the trunnion) - it is not a serial number.
The Winchester proof mark was stamped into every firearm made by Winchester as an assurance of quality and craftmanship. The proof mark on original Winchester Cannons tend to be illegible due to wear and age. This paticular cannon was painted and the proof mark was well preserved as a result.
Special thanks to Mark Zovak of Lehighton, Pennsylvania for sending us these pictures of the barrel rollmarking. Mark maintains the specially decorated cannon of the Lehighton High School Indians football team. The tradition of firing the cannon, nicknamed "Tecumseh", at Lehighton football games goes back over 40 years!
