The Cincinnati Gun

By John Morris · Originally published January-February 2026 · pp. 6–10

The Cincinnati Gun — lead photograph from the original article

President Lincoln’s Letter to War Department. Executive Mansion August 3, 1861 I have seen a model of a breech loading cannon exhibited by Mr. Sherwin of Ohio; and would be glad for the Ordinance [sic Ordnance] Department to assist Mr. Sherwin in making an experiment with a six-pounder of the same patern [sic], provided it can be done at reasonable cost, and without injurious interference with the business of the Department. A. Lincoln (National Archives)

John Morris graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1971 and served in various ships participating in the Vietnam War. He worked in weapons development during shore assignments. John left the Navy in 1980 to work for the Navy as a civilian in Washington, D.C., and retired from the government in 2003, starting a military collectibles business, Springfield Arsenal LLC. John now runs a machine shop in the Washington, D.C., area. John has done a great deal of research on antique artillery and has published many articles on

the subject. He is frequently consulted by museums, dealers, and collectors.

Photographs from the Original Article

The Cincinnati Gun — photograph 2 from the original article

The Cincinnati Gun — photograph 3 from the original article

The Cincinnati Gun — photograph 4 from the original article

The Cincinnati Gun — photograph 5 from the original article

The Cincinnati Gun — photograph 6 from the original article

The Cincinnati Gun — photograph 7 from the original article

Captions and credits appear in the article text as originally printed.