Dahlgren XI inch smooth bore cannon, (USS Monitor)

This is a model of one of the USS Monitors Dahlgren XI inch smooth bore cannons. These weapons were capable of firing solid shot ammunition weighing 180 pounds. The USS Monitor was equipped with two cannons but was still successful against an enemy with 10 cannons.The revolving turret allowed the weapons be fired from any direction. Other contemporary ships hsd to steer their vessels in the direction of the fire making them more susceptible to destruction.