Help Needed

[taxback]

This is my first post to this forum, thanks to an invitation from Santa Dave.  I originally posted my question on the toy cannon fourm, not knowing this one existed until Dave helped me out. (thanks Dave).  My question is as follows... A good friend of mine in Northwest Missouri has
recently purchased a small cast iron cannon at auction.  Our research has
turned up nothing so far as to its age, maker, value, etc.  If any of you
can help in any of these areas, we would greatly appreciate it.  The cannon
can be seen at...

http://server5.pictiger.com/img/68984//02220008.jpg
http://server5.pictiger.com/img/68985//02220010.jpg
http://server5.pictiger.com/img/68986//02220011.jpg
http://server5.pictiger.com/img/68987//02220003.jpg
http://server5.pictiger.com/img/68988//02220001.jpg

Also, any opinions regarding firing or not firing would be much appreciated.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Gerald Johnson
Western North Carolina