M1857 12-pounder Napoleon

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	Weapon: M1857 12-pounder Napoleon Type: Muzzleloading Cannon Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1857 Caliber: 4.62 in shell Action: Percussion Overall Length (mm): 1650.0 Weight (kg): 1200.00 Effective Range (m): 1700

The M1857 12-Pounder Napoleon was a smoothbore cannon developed in the United States, inspired by the French Emperor Napoleon III's artillery innovations. It was named after the French model it was based on, and the M1857 was cast primarily in bronze, making it both durable and relatively lightweight for maneuverability on the battlefield. The gun fired 12-pound solid shot or canister rounds and was favored for its versatility in firing both at shorter and longer ranges, making it ideal for Civil War-era battles.

The M1857 Napoleon saw extensive production during the American Civil War, with more than 1,100 units manufactured by the Union and an additional 500 or so by the Confederacy. Its robust design allowed it to endure the stresses of battlefield conditions while delivering a lethal payload, contributing to its widespread use on both sides of the conflict. Deployed in major engagements such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Shiloh, the Napoleon earned a reputation for reliability, accuracy, and destructive power at closer ranges, where canister shot could decimate advancing troops.

Known as one of the most effective artillery pieces of the Civil War, the M1857 Napoleon became a symbol of mid-19th century American artillery power. Its notoriety as a powerful, versatile field gun secured its place in military history, and it remains one of the most iconic weapons of the era. Today, preserved examples of the M1857 Napoleon are displayed in museums and on Civil War battlefields, where reenactors and historians alike pay tribute to its role in shaping the outcome of one of America's most defining conflicts.