Make: Bellmore-Johnson Tool Co. under license from Winchester

Model: 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon, 1976 American Bicentennial Edition

Serial Number: 003054

Year of Manufacture: 1976, ATF Non-Firearm

Caliber: 10 Gauge BLANK ONLY

Action Type: Breech-Loading Blank-Firing Signal/Salute Cannon

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “MFG. BY THE BELLMORE – JOHNSON TOOL CO. / HAMDEN, CT. U.S.A. – UNDER LICENSE FROM – / _WINCHESTER_ DIV., OLIN CORP.” and with the serial number. The top is marked “USE 10 GA. BLANK ONLY”. Each side of the carriage has “W.R.A.Co / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A.” cast into the outside.

Barrel Length: 12″

Approximate Overall Dimensions, Assembled: W: 8″, H: 8″, L: 16″

Sights / Optics: None.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The gun is mounted on a cast brass carriage. The carriage shows light handling marks, some casting imperfections, and scattered light tarnish. There is wear on the wheels. The markings on the carriage are clear. Overall, the carriage is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is some light tarnish and scattered stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some scattered light tarnish, light operational wear, and minor storage marks, nothing that wouldn’t polish out. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this cannon is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with the carriage mount as described, wood presentation base with relief-cuts for the wheels and carriage, seven Winchester 10 gauge blank shells, pull-cords, cleaning brush, manual, and Winchester crate. The crate is locked with a Climax 6 Lever padlock (no key included), one half of the latch has been unscrewed to open the crate (screws included).

Our Assessment: Originally offered in Winchester’s 1903 catalog, the 98 Breech Loading Signal Cannon is a 10 Gauge blank-firing cannon intended for signaling and saluting celebrations such as the 4th of July as well as good clean fun firing off black powder blank shells. Produced for more than a century, production was licensed to the Bellmore Johnson Company just a few miles from the original Winchester factory in 1975. This is a Bellmore Johnson produced example, and it is a fairly scarce variant. Most were black-painted cast iron, but for the American Bicentennial in 1976 these cannons were produced in brass. It comes with a Winchester signal cannon crate, presentation base, and even a few Winchester 10 gauge blanks. This will be a great addition to any Winchester collection as well as being a fun piece to take out to the range. Please see our photos and good luck!