Confederate Adjutant General button	The Civil War Relicman, Harry Ridgeway
	Winchester, Virginia USA (changed hands 70 times in the Civil War!) I am a collector buying and selling authentic Civil War Relics
	This page updated   April 03, 2008

The Ridgeway Civil War reference archive 
Artillery shells, Hotchkiss (Federal)

This is a sampling of relics collected by Harry Ridgeway over the years.  This archive record is for educational purposes only.  Some of the relics listed may be on display at the Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester Virginia, some are no longer owned by the author.  None of the items listed in this section are for sale, please refer to the separate sales catalog for items that are currently offered.

All artillery items listed  have been disarmed and rendered inert. 

A1224     Hotchkiss Bolt, 1860 prototype, Wiard 6 pounder rifle, 2.6 in. 
  
Flat base was prototype pattern, nose is pointed. This one blew the sabot, but held the base. The nose was partially knocked off the base, but is frozen in place as found, it is a rare shell. Others have been found at Fredericksburg Va 
Recovered: West Point NY test firing range 
Diameter 2.54 inch, length 5.5 inch approx 
Ref: D & G pg. 158 (pointed nose) 

A1610     Hotchkiss Bolt, 1860 prototype, Wiard 6 pounder rifle, 2.6 in.

Flat base was prototype pattern, nose is pointed. This is nose only, rare shell 
Metal quality is excellent. 
Recovered: Fredericksburg Va 
Diameter 2.54 inch, 
Ref: D & G pg.158 (pointed nose)

A1823    Hotchkiss Bolt, 1860 prototype Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in.
 
Flat base was prototype pattern, nose is rounded. Sabot intact showing 8 lands and grooves, metal quality excellent. 
Recovered: West Point test range 
Diameter 2.4 inch, length 5.25 in. 
Ref: D & G pg. 158 (variant short base and rounded nose) 

A1611    Hotchkiss shell, with flame grooves, wood fuse, Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in.
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, flame grooves were cut into the side to allow flames to pass to ignite the fuse. 
Cast for wood time fuse. 
Fuse missing, lead sabot intact, good metal minor pitting. 
Recovered: Shiloh 
Diameter 2.5 inch, length 5.5 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 160

A0045    Hotchkiss bolt, no flame grooves, iron percussion fuse, Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in.

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this pattern was used against opposing cannon but was obviously very light, not very practical, and quite scarce. Flame grooves are absent on this pattern. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855".  
Iron Hotchkiss percussion fuse, "West Point style" which means anvil and slider operated independently (Jones pg. 92) 
Iron anvil percussion fuse intact, fired sabot shows 8 lands and grooves, metal strong light pitting, Hotchkiss patent date stamped into the base is partly visible. 
Recovered: Culpeper Va by John Eden 
Diameter 2.5 inch, length 6.0 inch
Ref: D & G pg. 161 (iron fuse)

A1612      Hotchkiss bolt, no flame grooves, wood fuse, Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this pattern was used against opposing cannon but was obviously very light, not very practical, and quite scarce. Flame grooves are absent on this pattern. 
Cast for a wood fuse. 
Nose section with fired sabot intact! Rare to get this with a sabot. Fuse missing. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.5 in., length 6.0 in. 
Ref: D & G pg. 161 (wood fuse)

A0046    Hotchkiss bolt, no flame grooves, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this pattern was intended to be used against opposing cannon, but offered no advantage versus the percussion fused shells, so very few of them used and it is a rare pattern. 
Nondug example, sabot intact, outstanding metal. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 2.85 inch, length 7.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.163 

A1830    Hotchkiss case shot shell, no flame grooves, zinc time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this early pattern had rounded nose intended for case shot, many failed to detonate because flame could not reach the fuse, many show cracks or breaks around the nose because the cavity is thin at the top, this design was unsuccessful and production abandoned early in the conflict. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86).  
Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" 
Lead fuse intact, fired sabot intact showing 7 lands & grooves, outstanding example strong metal light pitting. 
Recovered: Chancellorsville, Va 
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.75 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 164 

A1615    Hotchkiss case shot shell, no flame grooves, percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, no flame groove. Shell generally employed a percussion fuse and is case shot. 
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse (Jones pg. 94) 
Percussion fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal outstanding minor pitting. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.5 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 166

A1831    Hotchkiss "common" shot shell, with flame grooves, wood time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. Most rounds are "common" rounds, meaning they do not contain case shot balls. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" 
Cast for wood fuse, unusual variant 
Wood time fuse missing, fired sabot intact shows 7 lands & grooves, metal quality excellent, minor pitting only, rare variant. Hotchkiss patent date is partly readable. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 6.5 inch (sabot compressed from firing) 
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (wood fuse "common" shot) 

A0050    Hotchkiss "common" shot shell, with flame grooves, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. Most rounds are "common" rounds, meaning they do not contain case shot balls. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855".  
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87). 
Time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact, metal quality excellent, Hotchkiss patent date is partly readable. 
Found by Harry Ridgeway Cedar Creek trenches 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 7 inch Weighs 9 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 167 (brass time fuse, "common" shot)

A1815    Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame grooves, brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry case shot balls, this is variant from the "common" rounds that have pointed noses and is infrequently seen configured this way. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Brass time fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal quality strong, light pitting, rare variant. Hotchkiss patent date is partly readable. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (brass time fuse "case" shot) 

A1625     Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame grooves, lead time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry case shot balls, this is variant from the "common" rounds that have pointed noses and is infrequently seen configured this way. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86) 
Lead time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact metal quality good, light pitting Half shell cut exposes the interior, and this scarce fuse! Balls are iron! 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (lead time fuse "case" shot)

A0914     Hotchkiss Type II shell, with flame grooves, 3 inch Ordnance Rifle, and struck!! 

Shell shows flame grooves of Type II. Top of fuse is knocked off. Shell was clearly struck, probably by another shell and after this one landed. The base is knocked crooked and there are significant cracks running from the point of impact, yet no other damage to the shell.
Recovered: Fredericksburg, Va
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.5 inch
Reference: Dickey & George pg. 167  

A0299    Hotchkiss flat top case shot shell, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
 
This flat top design was late war development, Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves to ignite the fuse. 
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal solid with moderate pitting. 
Recovered: Spanish Fort Alabama 
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 168

A0054    Hotchkiss flat top shell, Wright 14 second time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 

This was the next development of the Hotchkiss, this long range 14 second time fuse would significantly increase the range of fire, base is relatively flatter than the earlier patterns. 
Wright time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse in combination (Jones pg. 96) 
Nondug example, inspector mark "JHS" on sabot. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 6.8 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 170 

A1819     Hotchkiss flat top shell, Wright 14 second time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
   
This was the next development of the Hotchkiss, this long range 14 second time fuse would significantly increase the range of fire, base is relatively flatter than the earlier patterns. Wright time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse in combination (Jones pg. 96) 
Nondug example, inspector mark "TB" on sabot. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 6.8 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 170

A1834    Hotchkiss pointed nose bolt, Rifled 6 pounder smoothbore, 3.67 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Fired sabot shows impression from linen and 7 lands & grooves, metal excellent, bottom stamping is visible. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.6 inch, length 6.5 inch fired, 7 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 171 (3.67 in) 

A1631    Hotchkiss pointed nose bolt, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in.
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" 
Fired sabot shows 15 lands & grooves, metal excellent, minor pitting 
Recovered: Monet Ferry, LA 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7inch fired, 7.5 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 171 (3.8 in)

A1832    Hotchkiss pointed nose "common " shell, with flame groove, brass percussion fuse, Blakely 12 Pounder rifle, 3.5 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, armed with a percussion fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) intended to be used against opposing cannon. 
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse (Jones pg. 94) 
Hotchkiss percussion fuse fully intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal is outstanding. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.4 inch, length 6.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.174 (3.5in) 

A1634    Hotchkiss pointed nose shell, iron anvil fuse, Rifled 6 pounder smoothbore, 3.67 in.

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, armed with a percussion fuse shell is a "common" round (no balls) intended to be used against opposing cannon. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Iron Hotchkiss percussion fuse, "West Point style" which means anvil and slider operated independently (Jones pg. 92) 
Iron anvil fuse intact, fired sabot shows faint signs of 15 lands and grooves from a James rifle, this is 3.67 caliber so it was fired from the wrong gun which is why it barely took the rifling! Metal outstanding, patent date is fully readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.6 inch, length 6.75 inch fired, 7.25 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 174 (3.67 in)

A1833    Hotchkiss pointed nose shell, iron anvil fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, armed with a percussion fuse shell is a "common" round (no balls) intended to be used against opposing cannon. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Iron Hotchkiss percussion fuse, "West Point style" which means anvil and slider operated independently (Jones pg. 92) 
Iron anvil fuse intact, fired sabot shows faint signs of 15 lands and grooves which means the bore of the gun was either worn out or gummed up. 
Metal strong, patent date is not readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 6.75 inch fired, 7.25 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 174 (3.8 in) 

A1835    Hotchkiss rounded nose case shot shell, no flame groove, lead time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is rounded, armed with a time fuse, shell is a "case shot" with round balls. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86) 
Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Hotchkiss time fuse is partial, fired sabot is missing, patent date is fully readable, metal strong, light pitting, rare shell. 
Recovered Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.177 (3.8 in) 

A1637    Hotchkiss pointed nose "common " shell, with flame groove, brass time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, even though armed with a time fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Hotchkiss time fuse fully intact, fired sabot shows 15 lands & grooves, metal is very strong bottom marking is partly readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.178 (3.8in) 

A0057    Hotchkiss rounded nose "case shot" shell, with flame groove, brass time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is rounded, armed with a time fuse, shell is a "case shot" with balls. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Brass Hotchkiss time fuse intact, fired sabot shows rifling, but was fired from a bore either worn down or gummed, the shell did not take the rifling. Metal quality is high, minor pitting, base marks are readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7 inch Weighs 15 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 179 (3.8in) 

A1836    Hotchkiss shell, Sayre's detachable nose, no flame groove, lead time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose section was threaded so it could be removed while loading the case shot. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86) 
Nose is missing as is typical, sabot missing, metal solid moderate pitting. 
Recovered: Remington Va 
Diameter 3.7 inch. 
Ref: D & G pg.180 

A1641    Hotchkiss shell, no flame groove, percussion fuse, Parrott 30 pounder rifle, 4.2 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, when armed with a percussion fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse (Jones pg. 94) 
Nice example unfired sabot, percussion fuse is intact slider and cap are removable, clear stamping on base, metal strong light pitting. 
Recovered: Vicksburg Mississippi 
Diameter 4.1in, length 10in 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 242 (percussion fuse) 

A1642     Hotchkiss shell, no flame groove, wood time fuse, Parrott 30 pounder rifle, 4.2 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, even though armed with a time fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) 
Cast for a wood fuse.
Nose only, shows base casting plug, nice example clean metal 
Recovered: Vicksburg Mississippi 
Diameter 4.1in. 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 242 (wood fuse)  

A1643     Hotchkiss bolt, with flame grooves, Siege rifle, 4.5 in. 
 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is rounded, This is test round, really no need for the flame groove Nose with fired sabot is fully intact showing 9 lands & grooves, solid metal, light rust. 
Recovered: West Point test range Diameter 4.4 inch 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 245  

A1954    Hotchkiss lead time fuse 

Lead time fuse was used early in the war, no flanges, spanner holes. Fuse used in early patterns of Hotchkiss
Fired fuse was used in a case shot shell, notice the impressions of the case shot balls on firing.
Length 2.3 in., Diameter 1 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 87 upper right  

A1955    Hotchkiss time fuse adaptor

Brass time fuse, slots for easy application, many variations in size. Fuse generally intended for smaller caliber Hotchkiss shells. This longer fuse may have been intended for case shot.
Threads clean, good display or can be used.
Length 2.45 in., Diameter 1 in., Flange diameter 1.2 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 87 & 88

A1962    Hotchkiss "standard" percussion fuse 

Inside a slider was positioned with a percussion cap, intended to slam into the cap screwed into the top. Screwdriver slot for fastening. Fuse is marked :HOTCHKISS / SEPTEMBER 17, 1862 / (another date not readable) PATENTED" Fuse generally intended for small caliber Hotchkiss.
Nondug fuse, threads clean, good display or can be used, iron plug intact on the bottom.
Length 2.3 in., Diameter 1 in. flange diameter 1.2 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 93