Our Story
The idea for Dunlap Cannon Co. started with a vision of reviving the iconic Model 98 Signal Cannon. Drawing from over a decade of success in the collector firearms industry, John Dunlap (Founder) saw the iconic Model 98 signal cannon sunsetting its production. This was unacceptable to him. After two years of discussing the idea with collectors and researching original designs, Dunlap set out to create refreshed technical drawings based on the originals and began developing prototypes. We learned that the availability of early 1900's materials, finishes, and manufacturing techniques like those used to build the first cannons were difficult to find today. We could see the biggest challenge ahead was manufacturing the cannon domestically and finding others to take on a difficult project to help us recreate an icon.
We were told that the type of manufacturing and materials we were looking for had since been sent to other countries, and that we should abandon the idea or look to produce the cannon overseas. On top of that, a worldwide pandemic. We didn't let these challenges deter us. Instead, it reinforced our commitment - if we were going to make it, it had to be made in the USA, in the way we believe it should, or not made at all.
Where do you go when everyone tells you American manufacturing is dead? Why not let the rust finish what it started and embrace an era of designed obsolescence and imported disposability.
The optimism and the manufacturing skillset we were looking for were found in Detroit, Michigan. In 2022, we started working with generations-old businesses in the Detroit area who weren't afraid of helping us manufacture a tight-tolerance, heirloom-quality, low-volume product using older manufacturing techniques. We learned that a proud pedigree of steel working, machining, and casting still lives in Michigan. It's hungry for making quality products that haven’t been made in the U.S.A for a generation or more. This gave us the encouragement we needed to continue our commitment to produce the Model 98. We opened a shop in Sandusky, Michigan in the heart of Michigan's Thumb to spearhead these efforts and allow us to work closely with suppliers to deliver the highest quality product, manufactured and built in the USA from metal, wood and raw materials mined, melted, machined, and harvested here in the U.S.A.
In 2023, we came to Winchester with our product and shared with them our vision for reviving the cannon and focusing on a high-quality, American made signal cannon. They agreed, if the Model 98 should continue to be made and for the right reasons, it should carry the Winchester brand. Exclusive licensing rights were granted by Olin Corporation to Dunlap Cannon Co. to sell the cannon under the legendary Winchester trademark.
In October 2024 the Winchester Model 98 cannon is officially reintroduced for sale, along with Winchester made 10 Gauge Blanks. The reintroduction is a story of America’s manufacturing revival in the making. A dedication to keeping old traditions alive and building products in the way we believe they should be built. For the Winchester Model 98 Cannon it’s an enduring commitment to the spirit of American saluting and celebratory noise-making.
