Help with Pack Parrott Rifle info

[harley_davis]

Gents,
Does anyone have specific info or a link you can share, that would give the service of the Pack Parrott Rifle? I have done a site search, Google search without finding much. What I did find on Artillery Forum was limited. A patent drawing exists from 1862, but opinions vary from there. Some feel none were ever produced, others indicate limited production. Most opinions say they never say action in the field although one fellow claims they were in at least one battle but no specifics were offered. Some indications are that they saw service with Cav units. Other opinions indicate they were used in the Indian Wars on the Plains following the ACW. Any more that anyone can offer?
Thank you,

[BurroughsBattery]

Harley,
It is my opinion that the Pack Parrott existed in Drawing form only. I have a copy of the drawing from SBR and it looks very authentic. I have not seen any firm evidence as to its production, issue or service. I have seen a reproduction fired at Grayling and it shot pretty well as I remember. It is a neat little gun. It seems to me that Cannons on Line seemed to be the champion of the Pack Parrott, but they never presented much evidence of it beyond the drawing. The Type 10 Blakely has 4 survivors in the US, it is similar in weight and mission.

On another front, I see your unit list includes the New Ulm Battery.........Wow do you have pictures of your equipment? It is 2 Ordnance Rifles and a 6 Pdr as I remember, is that correct? How many limbers Caissons etc? Do you have all of the saddles and harness as well? I heard you have crates of ammo unopened, is this true? I would be delighted to see some pictures of any and all of it.


Thank you,
Take care,
Steve Cameron
akm556@aol.com
Burrough's Battery

[harley_davis]

Steve
Thank you for the info. A local mortician has/had a repro Pack Parrott w/Paulson carriage and all implements & trailer that sold for $4500. I do not NEED a cannon but it was a neat little peice albeit, not terribly correct for vast majority of battles apparantly. Its gone and my house repair fund is once again, safe from "robbery'!!!!

In regards to New Ulm Battery equipment, I would not profess to be the Battery historian but I will share what I undestand to be correct. Following Dakota War outbreak in Aug 1862, a 12 lb moutain howitzer was presented to the City of New Ulm for defensive purposes. This gun resides in Brown County museum but sadly, the carriage is deteriorating. Somewhere in there, I believe a mortar was aquired also. The timeline of aquistion of current guns is vague but I believe it was near the end of the war, the Battery recieved the current M1841 6lb (cast 1863, carriage 1856) with limber, cassion & limber. Somewhere around 1903, when MN National Guard went to breech loaders, the Battery recieved 2 - 3" Ordnance Rifles w/limbers & matching cassions & limbers. Some orginal harness still exists but we use repro leathers now. The Battery will pull the guns w/horse 2-4 events a year, for the City of New Ulm since the equipment is technically, still city property. Yes, we fire them with blanks and in competition with bolts. The 3" is extremely accurate!!! The Battery is considered an active MN Militia unit and has existed as an official unit since early 1863. As to the case of unused ordnance, I can not confirm that but who knows? There is a lot of stuff in the Battery house. I will try to attach a couple of pics but if they do not show, follow my link to 5th Minnesota website, Photo Gallery, Minnesota Reenacting units and you will find a couple shots of the 3 inch, some not real good ones of the 6lb. Also, find a couple of pics of funeral hearse (repro) with original limber hooked to horses.

Regards,