Projects of the Military History Society

Our Skoda 10.5cm howitzer was given to the City of Rochester by the Italian Government in 1921 as recognition of the large number of Rochester Italians who either fought in the Italian army or the Unites States army during World War One in the defence of Italy.
Washington Square Park, located in downtown Rochester, is the City's oldest park. On 21 June 1921, Italian Ambassador Vittorio Rolandi-Ricci presented the gun to the City of Rochester. Click the link Washington Sq. Park, under projects to see more about our gun.

9-Pounder 1835 Field Gun

Before Restoration
After Restoration

Manufactured at the Watervaliet Arsenal in 1837, this 1835 model of the 9-pounder field gun currently resides in the town of Naples, New York. The gun tube itself was cast out of solid bronze at the N.P. Ames foundry in Springfield, Massachusetts. Out of the 32 originally manufactured, this is the only known remaining example.

Over 170 years old, the gun had limber added and was restored in 2011 by Historical Ordnance Works of Woodstock, Georgia.

Washington Square Park (about 1921-22)

Almost 1000 men of Italian Heritage went back to Italy and fought in the Italian army. Almost another 1000 men of Italian Heritage fought in the American army. It was to pay homage to their native sons that the Italian Government presented this war trophy to the City of Rochester. The gun stayed in the park until 2009 when it was removed because of extremely poor condition. In 2017 It underwent restoration at The Historical Ordnance Works in Woodstock , Ga. and has since been returned to its home.

Skoda 10 cm houfnice vz. 14 (howitzer)

The Skoda houfnice vz. 14 was designed in 1914 and made in Czechoslovakia by the Skoda works. It was used by the Imperial Austro-Hungarian Army during World War One. Large numbers were acquired by Italy after the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This one was captured from the Austrians in the Battle of Vitorrio Veneto fought from 24 October to 3 November 1918

Before Restoration
After Restoration