Boom in the Backyard

Drew McDermott
Jul 23
5 min read

Updated: Aug 16

My Unexpected Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon

Some days in this business, the phone rings and it’s just another routine call about a shotgun or a deer rifle. Other days, you get something so out of left field that it stops you in your tracks. That was me a few weeks ago, sitting at my desk when a man calls and says, “Hey, I’ve got a cannon. You buy cannons?”

Now, I’ve heard a lot of unusual things in my line of work, but a cannon? That was a first. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked him to send pictures. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed, and there it was a Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon, a relic of simpler times when “fireworks” sometimes meant black powder and brass.

I’m going to be honest: I didn’t know much about cannons at that point, other than what I’d seen in old war movies or at historical reenactments. I deal in firearms every day, but this wasn’t just another gun. This was an honest-to-goodness piece of Americana, built to fire black powder blanks and announce the start of yacht races, Independence Day, or maybe just the fact that life was good.

And that’s where the nostalgia kicked in.

**Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon appraised during a Kirkwood estate firearm evaluation**

The 12-Year-Old in Me Made the Call

When I saw those photos, something clicked in the back of my mind, and suddenly I wasn’t sitting at my desk anymore. I was twelve years old again, back in my neighborhood with my best friend Jay. We’d build forts out of scrap lumber and spend long summer days plotting imaginary battles against enemy forces who never had a chance.

If we had a real cannon back then, even one that just fired blanks, we would have ruled the world. I could practically see Jay’s grin, hear the war cries, and feel the adrenaline of “defending the fort” from every imagined threat.

That thought alone pretty much sealed the deal. I didn’t know the first thing about these little black powder boomers, but the kid in me said, “You’re not letting this one go.”

A Quick History of the Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon

Before I get into my hands-on experience, let’s talk about what makes the Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon such an interesting piece. Introduced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in, yes, you guessed it, 1898, this cannon wasn’t designed for warfare. Instead, it was marketed as a ceremonial and signaling device, perfect for yacht clubs, holiday salutes, and even railroad events.

These cannons were built like tanks, cast iron and steel with a solid carriage, weighing in at about 25 pounds. They were chambered for 10-gauge black powder blanks; yes, the same 10-gauge shell that’s been making shoulders sore for more than a century.

Operation was straightforward: load a blank shell into the breech, close it up, pull the lanyard, and BOOM! you’ve just let the whole neighborhood know you mean business. No projectiles, just sound and smoke, which made them relatively safe for public celebrations (provided you respected black powder, which always demands caution).

The Model 98 stayed in production for decades, and even today, collectors love them because they’re both functional and historically significant. They represent a slice of Americana when noise was part of the fun, and nobody called the cops when you made it.

Closing the Deal

After a little back and forth with the seller, I loaded up and went to take a look in person. There it was, sitting in a wooden crate like some old naval relic.

I picked it up, felt the heft, and thought about how many people had grinned ear to ear after pulling that cord. Before I knew it, the deal was done, and the cannon was mine.

Getting Acquainted

Here’s where the fun begins, and the research, because like I said earlier, I didn’t know much about these things beyond the fact that they make a loud noise. I learned that the Model 98 uses 10-gauge black powder blanks, which you can still find online or load yourself if you’re into handloading for the boom rather than the bang.

Cleaning and maintenance are simple, warm water, a little soap, and oil on the moving parts. It’s not like a rifle that demands tight tolerances; this is old school iron that thrives on being simple and sturdy.

Of course, before I fired it, I went down the rabbit hole of safety. Yes, these cannons are legal to own, and because they fire blanks, they aren’t classified as firearms under federal law. That said, black powder deserves respect. You don’t just throw a shell in, light it up, and hope for the best. Distance, proper hearing protection, and keeping spectators clear are non-negotiable.

The First Boom

The day finally came. I had a box of 10-gauge blanks, the cannon cleaned and oiled, and a nice open area to let it rip. I loaded the shell, closed the breech, threaded the lanyard through the eyelet, and took a few steps back. My heart was pounding like it did when I was a kid about to light the biggest firecracker in the stash.

“Here we go,” I muttered, pulling the cord.

BOOM!

The sound was incredible; a deep, resonant blast that rolled across the yard and into the trees beyond. Smoke poured from the muzzle, curling into the air like a victory flag. For a split second, I just stood there grinning like that twelve-year-old kid I remembered. It was everything I hoped for and then some. Then I worried about the cops, scooped up the cannon and quickly went inside with my prize.

Why It Matters

So, why does a Winchester Model 98 Signal Cannon deserve a spot in my collection? Because it’s more than steel, it’s a time machine. It connects me to a past where life was simpler, where imagination ruled summer afternoons, and where making noise was half the fun.

Firearms and cannons, apparently, aren’t just tools. They’re pieces of history, conversation starters, and sometimes, reminders of who we were before life got complicated. For me, this little cannon represents something bigger than itself: the joy of discovery, the thrill of history, and the importance of never letting go of that kid inside who dreams big and smiles wide at the sound of a really good BOOM.

Final Thoughts

If you ever come across one of these Winchester Model 98s, don’t pass it up. Whether you’re a collector, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates the craftsmanship of a bygone era, it’s a piece worth owning. Just remember, respect the powder, respect your neighbors, and enjoy the cannon for what it is: pure, unadulterated fun from an age when loud meant good.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another box of blanks to burn through.

By:

Drew