This is a vintage miniature souvenir or toy Civil War field cannon, likely manufactured in Japan during the mid-20th century (typically between the 1950s and 1970s).
Key Characteristics
Materials: It features a gold-toned brass barrel mounted on a painted cast iron or die-cast metal carriage.
Design: The piece replicates a classic 1857 Napoleon 12-pounder field gun, a staple piece of artillery used extensively during the American Civil War.
Origin Markings: The bottom of the carriage trail or the underside of the axle is where you will typically find the stamped "JAPAN" mark, signifying its post-WWII manufacturing origin for the Western export and souvenir market.
Dimensions: As indicated by the measuring tape, the total length of the model is just under 4 inches long.