NAM.1991-06-1-1

Whitworth 16 pdr 3.6 in calibre Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) field gun, Made at the Royal Gun Factory, 1872. Mounted on mark I field carriage. In 1870 experiments took place to provide Field Artillery batteries with a heavier gun. The 16 Pdr was chosen, mounted on a heavier version of the 9 pdr carriage. The carriages used were of an old pattern with wooden hubs rather than new metal types. This was the last of the rifle muzzle loading (RML) guns before breechloaders returned for good. However RML field guns remained in service with Artillery Volunteer units until after 1900. The gun fired studded shells, the gun-metal studs engaging in the rifling. They were issued with common shell, shrapnel and case shot.