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 
Smoothbore balls up to 24 pounders
Federal and Confederate

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. 

A1662     Ball, solid shot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.
 
The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. This solid shot was intended to be used against opposing cannons. 
Metal quality is nice, original sabot and straps! (Rubber feet on the bottom can be removed)
Recovered: Oconee River at Milledgeville, GA 
Diameter 3.58 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 28

A1658      Ball, solid shot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.
 
The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. This solid shot was intended to be used against opposing cannons. 
Shell bears Mac Mason artwork: "Fired from Jackson's Guns into Smiths troops, White Oak Swamp Recovered April 21, 1667" Ball also shows a prominent casting sprue. 
Diameter 3.58 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 28 

A1781     Ball, solid shot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. 

The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. This solid shot was intended to be used against opposing cannons. 
Metal quality is nice, original sabot partially intact! 
Recovered: Oconee River at Milledgeville, GA 
Diameter 3.58 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 28 

A1665    Ball, "case shot" shell, Federal Bormann fuse, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.
 
The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5 lbs with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4 lbs with no balls). Most Federal manufacture was prewar, southern manufacture during the war, most use was southern. Federal Bormann fuse starts with 3/4 second, entire fuse was threaded (Jones pg. 22) 
Federal Bormann time fuse intact, fuse was not punched, metal quality strong with minor pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.58 inch, weight.5 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 29 (Federal "case" shot) 

A1666    Ball, "common" shell, Confederate Bormann fuse, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.

The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5 lbs with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4 lbs with no balls). Most Federal manufacture was prewar, southern manufacture during the war, most use was southern. Confederate Bormann fuse starts with half second, threads were omitted at the top for ease of installation. (Jones Pg. 26) 
Confederate Bormann time fuse intact, fuse was punched, metal quality strong with minor pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.58 inch, weight 4.5 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 29 (Confederate "common" shot) 

A1671    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate Bormann fuse, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.
 
The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5 lbs with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4 lbs with no balls). Most Federal manufacture was prewar, southern manufacture during the war, most use was southern. Confederate Bormann fuse starts with half second, threads were omitted at the top for ease of installation. (Jones Pg. 26) 
Confederate Bormann time fuse intact, fuse was un-punched, metal quality strong with minor pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.58 inch, weight 5 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 29 (Confederate "case" shot)

A1773    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate Bormann fuse shell filled with iron scraps, brass under-plug smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.
 
The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5 lbs with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4 lbs with no balls). Most Federal manufacture was prewar, southern manufacture during the war, most use was southern. Confederate Bormann fuse starts with half second, threads were omitted at the top for ease of installation. (Jones Pg. 26) 
This shell is filled with iron scraps, brass Bormann under-plug is removable. Metal quality strong with minor pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.58 inch, 
Ref: D & G pg. 29 (Confederate "case shot" with iron scraps) 

A1774     Ball, "case shot" shell, Federal Bormann fuse, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.
 
The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5 lbs with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4 lbs with no balls). Most Federal manufacture was prewar, southern manufacture during the war, most use was southern. Federal Bormann fuse starts with 3/4 second, entire fuse was threaded (Jones pg. 22)
 Federal Bormann time fuse intact, half shell is good illustration. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.58 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 29 (Federal "case shot")

A1674    Ball, "common" shell, wood fuse, Coehorn mortar 12 pounder, 4.62 in.

The 12 pounder Coehorn was largely obsolete by the Civil War, being outgunned by the 24 pounder Coehorn. Balls could be cast either for case shot (thin wall filled with balls) or "common" (thicker walls no balls). Wood fused 12 pounder ball for the Coehorn (7/8" fuse hole) is distinguished from the Napoleon (1 1/4" fuse hole) (D&G pg. 51). Most were made pre-war, but the Confederates did cast some of the wood fused balls during the war and in an emergency they could be used either in the Coehorn or the Napoleon. 
Cast for a wood fuse.
Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.
Recovered: surplus stocks
Diameter 4.52 in. weight 8 lbs. empty
Ref: D & G pg. 30 (12 pounder Coehorn "common" shot)

A1485    Ball, "case shot" shell, wood fuse, Coehorn mortar 12 pounder, 4.62 in.

The 12 pounder Coehorn was largely obsolete by the Civil War, being outgunned by the 24 pounder Coehorn. Balls could be cast either for case shot (thin wall filled with balls) or "common" (thicker walls no balls). Wood fused 12 pounder ball for the Coehorn (7/8" fuse hole) is distinguished from the Napoleon (1 1/4" fuse hole) (D&G pg. 51). Most were made pre-war, but the Confederates did cast some of the wood fused balls during the war and in an emergency they could be used either in the Coehorn or the Napoleon. 
Cast for a wood fuse.
This one is a particularly rough casting and is apparently a case shot. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 4.52 in., weight 6 lbs. empty
Ref: D & G pg. 30 (12 pounder Coehorn "case" shot)

A1784        Ball, "common" shell, wood fuse, Coehorn mortar 12 pounder, 4.62 in.
 
The 12 pounder Coehorn was largely obsolete by the Civil War, being outgunned by the 24 pounder Coehorn. Balls could be cast either for case shot (thin wall filled with balls) or "common" (thicker walls no balls). Wood fused 12 pounder ball for the Coehorn (7/8" fuse hole) is distinguished from the Napoleon (1 1/4" fuse hole) (D&G pg. 51). Most were made pre-war, but the Confederates did cast some of the wood fused balls during the war and in an emergency they could be used either in the Coehorn or the Napoleon. 
Wood fuse intact, good metal, 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 4.52 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 30 (12 pounder Coehorn "common shot")

A1484    Ball, Confederate polygonal pentagonal pattern, wood fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in. 

Interior of shell was cast with polygonal shapes intended to create points of weakness for better fragmentation. This one shows the five sided (pentagonal) pattern (D& G Fig C-3 pg. 526) 
Cast for a wood fuse.
Shell has been expertly cut to expose the interior. Shell was cast badly off center which would have largely defeated the idea of segmented fragmentation.
Recovered: captured war trophy 
Diameter 4.52 in. 
Ref: D & G pg. 30 (12 pounder pentagonal pattern) 

A1672     Ball, Confederate polygonal diamond pattern, wood fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in. 

Interior of shell was cast with polygonal shapes intended to create points of weakness for better fragmentation. This one shows the diamond (rhomboidal) pattern (D& G Fig C-4 pg. 527) 
Cast for a wood fuse.
Example has been cut exposing the center. Roughness in the center is foundry or casting sand. 
Recovered: Petersburg, VA 
Diameter 4.52 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 30 (12 pounder diamond pattern)

A1794     Collection of polygonal fragments 

Interior of shell was cast with polygonal shapes intended to create points of weakness for better fragmentation. Collection of six fragments includes examples of each of the major patterns. 
Six polygonal fragments    

A1676    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate copper time fuse, lead side plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in.
 
The Confederates used the side plug as a way to load iron balls into the shell formed around the fuse shaft, avoiding the problem of trying to drill a space through iron balls and gunpowder to make room for the fuse, the hole was then plugged after loading. This one used a lead side-plug. 
Confederate copper time fuse for spherical projectiles, (Jones pg. 38) 
Fuse and Lead side plug intact, metal solid light pitting. 
Recovered: Petersburg, Va 
Diameter 4.52 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 32 (12 pounder, copper fuse, lead plug) 

A1798     Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate Bormann fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in. 

Ball was fired from the light "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse intended to detonate over the heads of the enemy troops in open formation. This was filled with small balls or "case shot" balls, thus increasing significantly this spread of deadly fire. Confederate Bormann fuse starts with half second, threads were omitted at the top for ease of installation. (Jones Pg. 26) 
Fuse is punched, metal is attractive, some pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 4.52 inch, weight 11 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 35 (Confederate "case shot")

A1799     Ball, "common shot" shell, Bormann time fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in.
 
Ball was fired from the light "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse intended to detonate over the heads of the enemy troops in open formation spreading the deadly fire. This was called a "common" round, meaning it is the standard pattern with exploding charge only. Federal Bormann time fuse (Jones pg. 22) 
Fuse is un-punched, shell was not fired, outstanding fuse, all numbers are readable, metal shows modest pitting. 
Recovered: New Bern North Carolina 
Diameter 4.52 inches, weight 7 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 35 (Federal "common" shot)

A1791     Ball, "common shot" shell, Bormann time fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in.

Ball was fired from the light "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse intended to detonate over the heads of the enemy troops in open formation spreading the deadly fire. This was called a "common" round, meaning it is the standard pattern with exploding charge only. Federal Bormann time fuse (Jones pg. 22) 
Half shell cut to expose interior, shell is thick wall. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 4.52 inches, 
Ref: D & G pg. 35 (Federal "common" shot) Half shell 

A1797     Ball, shell, Bormann time fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in. 

Ball was fired from the light "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse intended to detonate over the heads of the enemy troops in open formation spreading the deadly fire. 
Fuse is missing, outstanding metal. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 4.52 inches. 
Ref: D & G pg. 35  

A1905    Ball, "common shot" shell, Wright time fuse smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in.
 
The Federal Ordnance department began the development late in the war of longer range fuses. Because the Napoleon was limited in range, the longer burning fuse had very little practical application and thus the use was largely experimental. Wright 14 second fuse, iron cap with spanner holes, (Jones pg. 28) 
Fuse intact, metal solid moderate pitting. 
Recovered: Petersburg, Va (not confirmed) 
Diameter 4.52 in., weight 7 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 37 (fuse with iron cap, spanner holes) 

A1209      Smoothbore ball, 12 pounder Wright fused shell 

Shell is as found, good opportunity for collectors who like to do their own restorations.
Wright introduced the 14 second fuse, which dramatically increased the distance a shell could be fired and detonated. The only problem was that a 12 pounder Napoleon could not accurately deliver a projectile the extra distance, and the practical field of battle was much shorter, hence this fuse was not accepted and probably not used in battle. It was however an important advancement in the development of fuses. This is variant to previously published example, it employs a slot and not spanner holes.
Recovered: surplus stocks
Diameter 4.52 inch
Ref: Dickey & George pg. 37, variant 

A1771    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate Bormann fuse converted to paper time fuse, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in.

The 6 pounder gun was no match for the new 12 pounders and thus was considered to be obsolete by the start of the Civil War. However there were many abandoned in the southern arsenals when they were seized so the Confederates put them to use. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5 lbs with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4 lbs with no balls). Most Federal manufacture was prewar, southern manufacture during the war, most use was southern. Confederate Bormann fuse starts with half second, threads were omitted at the top for ease of installation. (Jones Pg. 26) 
Confederate use of the Bormann fuse was not successful, this one was drilled down the center to employ a conventional paper time fuse. Confederate Bormann time fuse intact, balls can be heard rolling around inside, metal quality strong with minor pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.58 inch, weight 5 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 40 (6 pounder Confederate "common shot")

A1796     Ball, "common" shell, Bormann fuse converted to paper time fuse, Smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in. 

Ball was fired from the light "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse intended to detonate over the heads of the enemy troops in open formation. Confederate use of the Bormann fuse was not successful, some were hammered down to render useless, then drilled for a paper time fuse. 
Fuse is hammered but intact, metal is strong, light pitting. 
Recovered: Oconee river, with fragments of straps. 
Diameter 4.52 inch, weight 7 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 40 (12 pounder "common shot")

A0664    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate copper time fuse, iron side plug, Smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in. 

The Confederates used the side plug as a way to load iron balls into the shell formed around the fuse shaft, avoiding the problem of trying to drill a space through iron balls and gunpowder to make room for the fuse, the hole was then plugged after loading. This one used an iron side-plug. 
Confederate copper time fuse for spherical projectiles, (Jones pg. 38) 
Fuse and iron side plug intact, metal solid light pitting. 
Recovered: Petersburg, Va Diameter 4.52 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 42 (12 pounder, copper fuse, iron plug)

A1786     Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate copper time fuse, copper side plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62 in.
 
The Confederates used the side plug as a way to load iron balls into the shell formed around the fuse shaft, avoiding the problem of trying to drill a space through iron balls and gunpowder to make room for the fuse, the hole was then plugged after loading. This one used a copper side-plug. Confederate copper time fuse for spherical projectiles, (Jones pg. 38) 
Copper time fuse and copper side plug fully intact, metal is solid with light pitting. 
Recovered: Petersburg, Va 
Diameter 4.52 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 42 (12 pounder, copper time fuse, brass plug)

A0672    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate Bormann replacement fuse, Smoothbore 12 pounder 4.62 in.
 
The Confederates were unable to successfully replicate the Bormann fuse, this oversized time fuse was made as a reasonable substitute. 
Confederate Bormann replacement fuse, with spanner holes, (Jones pg. 44) 
Fuse intact, outstanding example. Recovered: not known 
Diameter 4.52 inch 
Ref: D & G not listed. (Case shot shell, fuse with spanner holes) 

A1694    Ball, "case shot" shell, Confederate Bormann fuse, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in.
 
The 24 pounder smoothbore was uncommon, not a very practical weapon because of its excessive weight for field use, most were used as flanking guns in the forts or as Coehorn mortars. This was filled with small balls or "case shot" balls, thus increasing significantly this spread of deadly fire. 
Confederate Bormann fuse starts with half second, threads were omitted at the top for ease of installation. (Jones Pg. 26) 
Bormann time intact, numbers are readable, metal solid light pitting, evidence of straps remain.. 
Recovered: Augusta Ga 
Diameter 5.7 inch, weight 17 lbs. 
Ref: D & G pg. 47 (Confederate, "case" shot) 

A1800     Ball, solid shot, smoothbore 18 pounder, 5.3 in.

The 18 pounder caliber had been phased out by the Civil War although some were in service at some of the lower priority forts and were seized by the Confederates. Federal production will predate 1850, Confederates manufactured limited quantity during the war. 
Metal strong, light pitting. 
Recovered: not known Diameter 5.2 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 45 (solid shot)  

A1699    Ball, mortar shell, wood fuse, Coehorn mortar 24 pounder, 5.82 in.
 
Most wood fused 24 pounders were intended for the Coehorn mortar, some are "case shot" (with balls) or "common" no balls. Wood fused 12 pounder ball for the Coehorn (7/8" fuse hole) is distinguished from the Napoleon (1 1/4" fuse hole) (D&G pg. 51). 
Wood time fuse is partial, original sabot straps are partial, outstanding metal 
Recovered: City Point Ammo explosion 
Diameter 5.7 inch, weight 17 lbs. (empty) 
Ref: D & G pg. 51 (Coehorn) 

A1994     Wood time fuse adaptor, small shells

Wood drive in fuse is tapered, smaller diameter for smaller shells.
A1994     (left )         Length 1.25 in., top diameter .9 in
A1995     (middle)     Length 1.35 in., top diameter 1.05 in
A1996     (right)         Length 1.3 in., top diameter 1.1 in
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 3

A1997     Wood time fuse adaptor, large shells

Wood drive in fuse is tapered, larger diameter for larger shells.
A1997     (left) Length 2.3 in., top diameter 1.5 in
A1998     (right) Length 2 in., top diameter 1.75 in
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 3 $75.00

A1935    Bormann time fuse, Confederate manufacture

The Confederates copied and modified the zinc Bormann time fuse, Confederate version starts at half second (three quarters for Federal) and there is a significant lip on the top that is not threaded, presumably so it could be hand tightened. Single wrench slot for tightening. Fuse generally intended for smaller caliber balls.
Fuse is punched, most numbers are readable, unthreaded lip is definite, bottom is missing exposing the channel.
Diameter 1.6 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 26

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