The Paraguayans were nothing if not resourceful. They armed a number of barges (Chata) to bolster their fleet on the Paraguay River. They had no power of their own so were towed into action by a steamer. Armed with a single heavyish cannon on a pintle mount (although has an additional 12pdr as it was too difficult to try and remove it).
It will come as no surprise to learn that every one of these gun barges (iirc there were eight) were lost during or shortly after the battle of Riachuello against the Brazilian fleet.
A really grand and somewhat unusual addition to your collection!
ReplyDeleteExcellent 👍 always great to have interesting pieces like this included in your collection
ReplyDeleteI’m sure I can work it into a scenario somewhere. Colin
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