Traditions Mini Old Ironsides .50 Cal Black Powder Cannon with 9" Nickel Plated Barrel & Hardwood Carriage
Traditions
The Traditions Mini Napoleon III Black Powder Cannon in .50 caliber brings historical authenticity and hands-on shooting tradition to your range, campsite, or collection. This fully functional reproduction captures the iconic design of the field artillery pieces that saw action during the American Civil War, scaled down to a manageable size without sacrificing operational capability. With a nickel-plated 7.25-inch barrel and genuine hardwood carriage mounted on metal-rimmed wheels, it's both a conversation piece and a legitimate black powder firearm ready to shoot right out of the box.
Whether you're a black powder enthusiast, living history reenactor, or collector drawn to Civil War-era arms, this mini cannon offers something rare: the ability to actually fire a piece of history rather than simply display it. The compact footprint makes it practical for backyard ranges or historical events where full-size artillery isn't feasible, while the period-correct details—from the carriage construction to the barrel finish—deliver authentic aesthetics. It ships ready to display or shoot, so you can set it up immediately.
Operating this cannon follows traditional black powder protocols: you'll need .490-caliber round balls, black powder or a suitable substitute, and basic cannon-specific accessories to keep it running smoothly. The hardwood carriage and wheel design reflect genuine 19th-century construction methods, making it as much a craftsman's piece as a functional firearm. This is the kind of item that transforms a shooting session into an event—reliable, historical, and unmistakably unique.
| Caliber | .50 |
| Barrel Length | 7.25 inches |
| Barrel Finish | Nickel plated |
| Carriage Material | Hardwood |
| Wheels | Metal-rimmed |
| Condition | Ready to display or fire |
This cannon fires .490-caliber round balls with black powder or black powder substitutes. You'll also need appropriate powder measures and a suitable cannon fuse for ignition.
The Traditions Mini Napoleon III is fully operational and ready to shoot. It ships ready to fire, though you'll need to source ammunition, powder, and fuse separately.
The cannon stands 6.5 inches in height with a wheel diameter of 6 inches, making it compact enough for range use or display while maintaining authentic proportions of the full-size Napoleon III.
This cannon ships ready to display or fire—no assembly needed. You can set it up and begin using it immediately with the proper black powder supplies.