Model of a Carriage for a 68-Pounder Gun 1856

This is a model of a carriage for a 68-pounder gun, made of wood and brass by an anonymous maker. The model gives special insight into the process of producing military technology at a time when industrialization was rapidly advancing. The choice of wood, typically associated with craft traditions rather than mass production, speaks volumes. Its inherent qualities of texture, weight, and form contribute to its aesthetic appeal, while the brass detailing adds a touch of sophistication. The crafting of this model would have involved skilled traditions of woodworking, from carving to joinery. But we should also note the context: the world-historical transition from handcraft to industrialization. This was tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, and the substantial amount of work involved in the production process. Looking closely at the materials, making, and context offers a profound understanding of the object, challenging conventional distinctions between art, craft, and the history of technology.