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Post Info TOPIC: 7.7 cm Leichte Feld Kanone help?
MarkV


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7.7 cm Leichte Feld Kanone help?
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Howdy,

I am a long time member of the Landships forum, where I generally focus on the history of Rolls Royce armoured cars, but now I find myself in a position professionally where I need some advice regarding a real WWI German field gun.  I know that artillery experts frequent the forum, so I thought I'd ask for help here. 

I work for the Texas Historical Commission and am helping the Karnes County Historical Society in Karnes City, Texas to restore their war trophy cannon that has been sitting on the courthouse lawn since the 1920s.  - How it survived the scrap drives of WWII when virtually every other courthouse lawn cannon in the state was lost is a mystery to me!  - I think the gun is a 7.7 cm FK 16, made in 1918, but would appreciate confirmation from the forum.  It is in sad but restorable condition with rust holes in the trail and through various sheetmetal bits.  Having been on public display for approximately 90 years, many of its smaller parts are missing or bent.

You can see a photo of the gun here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/courthouselover/2737146974/  - I can provide additional photos, if anyone is interested and would be glad to take a few measurements or detail photos if anyone needs them for model building purposes.  - I am based in Austin, but I get out that way about once a month or so.

I already understand that the restoration of a German WWI field gun is not something the local muffler shop should attempt both from a quality standpoint and due to safety issues related to the compressed springs in the action.  Could anyone offer advice on who might be able to help us to properly restore the gun?  Also, what do you think a reasonable initial cost estimate might be for restoring a gun like this?  Since the county would like to continue to exhibit the gun on the courthouse lawn, are there any special considerations for improving its long term durability? 

I am also curious about the historically correct color(s) for the gun.  It is currently light gray.  Before that is was painted metallic silver!

The county is undertaking the full restoration of the historic courthouse building (seen in the background in the above photo) and has asked the local Historical Society to try to get the gun properly restored.  With the WWI centennial coming up we are hopefull that there will be increased public interest and that they will be able to raise the necessary funds. 

I'd really appreciate any advice or contacts you might have to offer that can help us to save this important historic gun.  Any plans, manuals or photos that would allow us to replicate missing components, or suggestions as to where we might obtain original replacement parts, would also be appreciated.

MarkV



-- Edited by MarkV on Friday 14th of December 2012 03:03:30 PM

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28juni14


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In the USA,  I know of only one person with the artillery knowledge, skill,  and experience to help you;  Ralph Lovett.    Go to Lovettartillery(dot)com and contact him there.   He can advise the late-war finsh applicable for the piece as well as tips on replacing missing parts and sheet metal work;  he's restored litterally dozens of guns.  Incidently,  I can't really tell if the breach block is on the piece; is it ?



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MarkV


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Thank you 28juni14,

I sent Mr. Lovett a PM through the forum website last week, but haven't heard back from him yet.

As for the gun, yes, unlike many I've seen in photos online it still has its breechblock.  I don't recall seeing any obvious welds on the gun, but the normally movable bits are all stuck due to rust and paint - and possibly some small welds that are hidden beneath the rust and paint.  I tried to operate the breech and various other wheels and levers with no luck. 

Mark



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Ralph Lovett


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Mark

 

Sorry about the late response.  I'm in the Warrant Officer Staff Course, so have been a bit distracted by the homework.

Yes, You have a German 7,7cm lFK 1916.  While stationed at FT Sill, OK I have driven to look at this gun several times.  Green-grey is one of the correct colors for this piece.  See the article on Landships: http://www.landships.freeservers.com/german_ww1colours.htm

You might try contacting Karl K. at :

k3karl@aol.com

He has artillery restoration experience and may be interested in taking this on a project for pay.  He is also located in Texas.

Hope this helps

R/

Ralph Lovett



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Ralph Lovett
MarkV


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Ralph,

 

Thank you!!!

 

Mark V



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