12pounder

The 12-pounder is a term commonly used to describe various types of naval artillery pieces, particularly those used in the 18th and 19th centuries. The designation refers to the weight of the projectile the gun fired, which was approximately 12 pounds (about 5.4 kilograms). These guns were widely employed by naval forces during the Age of Sail and remained in service into the early modern period.

The 12-pounder was typically mounted on ships as a carronade or a long gun. Carronades were short-barrelled, low-velocity weapons designed for close-range fire, often used to devastating effect against enemy ships' rigging and crews. Long guns, on the other hand, had longer barrels and were capable of firing projectiles with greater range and accuracy, making them suitable for engaging enemy vessels at a distance. Both types were crucial in naval combat, contributing to the dominance of sailing warships during their era.

In British naval terminology, the 12-pounder was a standard broadside gun, often mounted in pairs or groups on the upper decks of ships of the line. It was lighter than heavier guns like the 32-pounder or 68-pounder, allowing for greater flexibility in placement and a higher number of guns per ship. The 12-pounder was also used in smaller vessels, such as frigates and sloops, where its size and firepower were well-suited to their roles.

The 12-pounder remained in service throughout the 19th century, evolving alongside advancements in metallurgy and gunnery techniques. By the mid-1800s, however, the rise of ironclad warships and the shift toward rifled breech-loading guns rendered traditional smoothbore muzzle-loaders like the 12-pounder obsolete in naval warfare. Despite this, its legacy endures as a symbol of the naval artillery that shaped the tactics and strategies of the Age of Sail.