68-pounder smoothbore, iron muzzleloading gun, 1854

The 68-pounder was normally used only on fixed mountings for coastal defence. However, during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimea several were used, manned by naval ratings. Their heavier shot was thought to be more effective against the formidable Russian fortifications.

This gun was made by Walker and Co of Gospel Oak, Staffordshire who took over from Samuel Walker and Co in about 1820. They used the original firm's machinery and kept the same mark, 'WCo', on the trunions.