A2901     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball could be used interchangeably in the smoothbore short range Coehorn mortar or the medium range Napoleon cannon.  Some were made before the war and were in the arsenal stockpiles, others were made in the south during the war, principal use was southern.  Cast for a wood fuse, smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed. Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 8.8lbs.  Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign.  Metal is solid, wood fuse intact, heavy ball could be case shot.  Shell is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the wood time fuse and through the bottom.  Cut shell shows cross section of wood fuse and cavity.  Note that the hard crusty material inside is black powder, it is hard and crusty because it has deteriorated., and is no longer a flammable product or a safety hazard.  However it can be easily removed if desired. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.      Cut shell, either half $175. both halves $300.

A2903     Read shell, smooth sided long pattern, copper ring sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9in. Projectile was manufactured in the Confederate foundries following John Read's design.  The sabot system utilized was a copper ring sabot, more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot, sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom. This long pattern has smooth sides, Confederate manufacture is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, and a casting sprue on the nose.  Fuse employed was a Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41.  Shell measures: diameter 2.85in., length 8.75in. (excluding the fuse), weight 9.4lbs. Recovered: Richmond Petersburg, Virginia campaign.  Thin copper ring sabot shows three lands & grooves, fired from Parrott rifle, inside of sabot was milled and beveled, section of base chipped from firing but sabot was not thrown.  Metal strong with pitting, Confederate brass time fuse intact, fired copper sabot intact.  Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 243.            Sold.

A2905     Parrott shell, long pattern "common" (standard), wrought iron sabot, Parrott time fuse without flange, Parrott 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the prewar invention of Robert Parrott and John Read working together.  The sabot system utilized was a wrought iron ring, referred to as the "Type I" sabot, which was pre-rifled with five flanges, because it was too stiff to take the rifling otherwise.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot, (approx. 17.5lbs to 19lbs. with balls, short, 9.25in.), or as "common" (approx 15lbs. to 17lbs. without balls, long 10.25in.).  This shell is a "common" shell, (standard), it does not contain balls, and with a time fuse it  was designed to be used against troops in the open field or enemy cannon.  Fuse employed was a Parrott zinc time fuse, typically the pattern without a flange, (Jones, Fuses, pg. 76), edge of the fuse hole is milled thin.  Bottom of shell usually shows a casting sprue which was rough milled.  Shell measures: diameter 3.62in., length 10.25in. (excluding fuse), weight 15.6lbs.  Wrought iron sabot shows five pre-rifled lands and grooves.  Metal quality is solid, ding on one side of nose is probably from impact on firing, zinc time fuse is partial, sabot intact, shell is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse.  Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 219.    $250.

A2906     Hotchkiss shell, "case shot", rounded nose, with flame grooves, iron balls, iron separator bolt, lead band sabot, Hotchkiss lead time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot, filled with balls, or as "common", without balls.  This shell is "case shot", explosive charge with iron balls, and with a time fuse was designed to detonate above the heads of troops in the open field.  This pattern features a rounded nose designed to pack additional "case shot" balls, the fuse is lead and the balls are iron.  Three flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  Shell cavity is split into two parts, upper chamber contained iron balls, bottom chamber contained the explosive charge, on detonation a bolt would force the balls out the top of the shell.  On case shot shells, there is no bottom plug, but there is a small internal pin apparently holding the separator bolt in place.  Hotchkiss patent date was cast (not stamped) into the base, "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861", and is typically weak.  Fuse employed was a Hotchkiss lead time fuse, with spanner holes, early pattern did not have a flange, Jones pg. 86.  Shell measures: diameter 2.9in., length 7.0in unfired, excluding fuse, weight 8.9lbs.  Recovered: Richmond Petersburg Virginia campaign.  Lead band sabot is unfired.  Metal quality is solid, lead fuse partial, unfired sabot intact, shell is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the fuse. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 164.   $300.

A2907     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), Confederate Bormann time fuse with wrench single slot and hand tightening lip, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field, solid shot was generally used against opposing cannon, but one could be substituted for the other as needed.  Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9 to 11lbs. with balls), or as "common" (approx 6 to 8lbs. without balls).  This ball is "common" (standard), explosive charge only without balls.  Fuse employed was a Confederate Bormann time fuse, .5 second starting time, single slot,, top of of fuse was not threaded an idea (that didn't work) to allow it to be hand tightened without a tool,  Jones pg. 26.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 7.7lbs.  Metal solid with some pitting, Confederate fuse intact, .5 second mark is crisp and the hand tightening lip is clearly visible, fuse is punched.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the bottom.   Recovered: Richmond Petersburg Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.          $350.

A2908     Ball, shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuse with wrench double slot, lead balls packed with sulfur matrix, iron under plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field, solid shot was generally used against opposing cannon, but one could be substituted for the other as needed.  Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9 to 11lbs. with balls), or as "common" (approx 6 to 8lbs. without balls).  This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls packed in yellow or sulfur matrix, with iron underplug.  Fuse employed was a Federal Bormann time fuse, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9.6lbs.  Recovered: Richmond Petersburg Virginia campaign.  Metal strong, Bormann fuse intact, shell is disarmed by drill hole through the bottom.  Cut shell shows cross section with iron under plug and lead balls packed in sulfur. An auger was used to cut the powder cavity, note cuts on several of the balls in the center. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.    Cut shell, Sold.

A2909     Parrott shell, "common" (standard), wrought iron sabot, threaded fuse, Parrott 10 pounder rifle, 2.9in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the prewar invention of Robert Parrott and John Read working together.  The sabot system utilized was a wrought iron ring, referred to as the "Type I" sabot, rifling was precast with three flanges, because it was too stiff to take the rifling otherwise.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9.5lbs to 11lbs. with balls ), or as "common" (approx 8lbs. to 9lbs. without balls).  This shell is a "common" shell, (standard), it does not contain balls, and with a percussion fuse it was designed to detonate after striking enemy cannon or equipment.  Fuse employed was a Parrott zinc percussion fuse, "West Point" style two part fuse, (Jones pg. 79).  Bottom of shell usually shows a casting sprue which was rough milled.  Shell measures: diameter 2.85in., length 8.375in. (excluding fuse), weight 7.9lbs., empty.  Recovered: not known.  Wrought iron sabot shows three pre-rifled lands and grooves for the Parrott rifle.  Shell is empty cartridge, fuse missing, sabot intact, fuse hole shows definite recessed well for flanged fuse. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 216.       $175.

A2910     Hotchkiss bolt, pointed nose, no flame grooves, flat bottom, lead band sabot, Navy rifled boat howitzer, 3.4in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Shell is solid casting, or "bolt" and was designed to be used against opposing cannon by striking the equipment.  This pattern was designed for the Navy, to be used on boat howitzer, which was a small gun positioned on the bow. Nose is pointed, base is flat, and sabot was fitted leaving significant gap at both the top and the bottom. Shell measures: diameter 3.35in., length 7.25in. unfired sabot, weight 12.1lbs.  Lead band sabot is un-fired.  Metal solid, sabot intact.  Shell disarmed, solid iron casting there never was a cavity or bursting charge.  Recovered: surplus stocks. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 395.  $750.

A2911     Ball, shell, "case shot", Bormann time fuse, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Two large fragments of 12 pound case shot ball, casing is thin, ball is filled with mixture of case shot balls, this is accumulation of parts from quite a few different shells but is a great hands on display illustrating the use of case shot in artillery.    Sold.

A2912     Hotchkiss shell, "case shot", flat top with flat bottom, with flame grooves, lead band sabot, Wright time fuse with Hotchkiss percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot, filled with balls, or as "common", without balls.  This shell is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls, and with a time fuse was designed to detonate above the heads of troops in the open field.  This pattern features a nearly flat nose designed to pack additional "case shot" balls.  Three flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  Bottom of shell is somewhat flat.  Fuse employed was a 15 second Wright time fuse, Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse installed in the center, Jones pg. 28.  Shell measures: diameter 2.9in., length and weight not meaningful.  Cut shell showing bottom inside, with spike in lower chamber, and sabot.  Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 170.   $75.

A2913     Hotchkiss shell, "case shot", with flame grooves, lead band sabot, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3in. Ground burst includes about half of the pieces, including the fuse, base and a number of side frags.  Hands on display, parts can be reassembled and glued or serve as a puzzle. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 167.   $75.

A2915     Broun shell, short pattern, copper band sabot, wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3in. Projectile was manufactured in the Confederate foundries following William Broun's design.  The sabot system utilized was a thin copper band sabot, notched into the base of the shell.  This pattern shell with a rounded nose, utilized a wide bourrelet band at the top, the sabot was slightly larger than the rest of the shell and served as a second bourrelet, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough.  A lathe dimple in the base, and a casting sprue on the nose are usually noted.  This pattern was produced late in the war as iron was in short supply, recycled material was often used and the metal quality of these shells is almost always poor.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place.  Shell measures: diameter 2.95in., length 7.5in., excluding the fuse, weight 8.8lbs.  Recovered: Richmond Petersburg, Virginia campaign.  Copper band sabot is unfired.  Metal is solid, wood fuse is partial, copper band sabot intact, shell is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 132.   $500.

A2916     Dyer shell, pointed nose, lead cup sabot, wood time fuse, rifled 42 pounder gun, 7in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Alexander Dyer.  The sabot system utilized was an expanding lead cup around the base  This pattern features a massive lead sabot with a concave bottom, nose of the shell is pointed.  This shell is "common", (standard), explosive charge only without lead balls, with a time fuse, shell could be used enemy cannon or troops defending a fort.  The massive lead sabot was problematic, it tended to foul the cannons, and often it would block passage of the flame to the paper time fuse.  To remedy this, the sabots on some were chopped with an axe, this to clear a flame path to the fuse.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell measures: diameter 6.9in., length 13.75in., weight approx. 80lbs. with sabot, 65lbs. without sabot.  Most of these 7in. Dyers were used by the Federal gunboats in the assault of Island No 10, a Confederate stronghold in the middle of the Mississippi River, the island washed away years ago by the river and these shells are found in the flood plain having sailed well past the target.  Lead cup sabot was separated from shell on firing and is missing.  Metal is solid, wood fuse partial, lead sabot missing, shell is disarmed by drill hole through paper section of the wood time fuse. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 224.         Sold.

A2917     Hotchkiss bolt, pointed nose, no flame grooves, lead band sabot, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Shell is solid casting, or "bolt" and was designed to be used against opposing cannon by striking the equipment, use of this light bolt had limited applicability and is relatively scarce in the smaller calibers.  Nose of this pattern is pointed, with a deep cup or hollow area in the lower part of the nose, this was probably an effort to shift the center of gravity forward. Hotchkiss patent date was cast (not stamped) into the base, "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855", and is typically weak.  Shell measures: diameter 3.7in., length 7in. unfired sabot, weight 10.3lbs., no sabot.  Recovered: war trophy, gray paint is from an old display.  Lead band sabot separated on firing.  Metal strong, sabot missing, patent date is partial. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg.171.   Sold.

A2918     Ball, shell, thick walled, with lifting ears, non-threaded fuse with 1.35 in. opening, Columbiad smoothbore, 8 in. The Columbiad was a heavy smoothbore and the firing subjected the balls to considerable stress, consequently the walls are thick, 2.3in. at the fuse hole, and the shell is heavier than a mortar.  Lifting ears can be on either type of shell.  Cast for a non-threaded wood fuse or seacoast drive in fuse, opening 1.35in. at surface, most are found without the fuse.  Shell measures: diameter 7.9in., weight 49lbs.  Metal strong, wood fuse missing.   Recovered: surplus stocks.  Ref: Bell Heavy Ordnance, pg. 54.      $350.

A2920     Ball, shell, "case shot", wood time fuse with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball could be used interchangeably in the smoothbore short range Coehorn mortar or the medium range Napoleon cannon.  Some were made before the war and were in the arsenal stockpiles, others were made in the south during the war, principal use was southern.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thin walls likely were filled with small balls or "case shot" balls, thus increasing  significantly this spread of deadly fire.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52 in., weight 6.1 lbs. (empty).  Metal solid, wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: surplus stocks. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.        $200.

A2922     Ball, shell, "case shot", wood time fuse with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball could be used interchangeably in the smoothbore short range Coehorn mortar or the medium range Napoleon cannon.  Some were made before the war and were in the arsenal stockpiles, others were made in the south during the war, principal use was southern.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thin walls likely were filled with small balls or "case shot" balls, thus increasing  significantly this spread of deadly fire.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52 in., weight 6.1 lbs. (empty).  Metal solid, wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: surplus stocks. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.        $200.

A2923     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball could be used interchangeably in the smoothbore short range Coehorn mortar or the medium range Napoleon cannon.  Some were made before the war and were in the arsenal stockpiles, others were made in the south during the war, principal use was southern.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell is cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9lbs, (empty).  Metal solid, smooth patina.  Recovered: surplus stocks. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.  Cut shell showing cross section.  Hole on the side was presumably a drill hole to disarm, such procedure was completely unnecessary.  Cut shell, either half $125. both halves $200.

A2924     Parrott shell, "common" (standard), narrow ring brass sabot, Parrott "improved one part" percussion fuse, Parrott 10 pounder rifle, 2.9in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Robert Parrott.  The sabot system utilized was a narrow brass ring secured to the base with internal rabbets, referred to as "type III", more flexible than wrought iron and more narrow than the high band, this took the rifling much better than the earlier designs.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9.5lbs to 11lbs. with balls ), or as "common" (approx 8lbs. to 9lbs. without balls).  This shell is a "common" shell, (standard), it does not contain balls, and with a percussion fuse it was designed to detonate after striking enemy cannon or equipment.  Fuse employed was a Parrott zinc "improved" one part design, with a flange, (Jones, Fuses, pg. 81), edge of the fuse hole is milled flat.  Bottom of shell usually shows a casting sprue which was rough milled.  Shell measures: diameter 2.85in., length 8.25in. (excluding fuse), weight 9lbs.  Fired low band sabot shows three lands and grooves, fired from Parrott rifle.  Metal smooth with minor pitting, percussion fuse is partial.  Recovered: Resaca Georgia. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 226.     $275.

A2926     Hotchkiss shell, "case shot", rounded nose, with flame grooves, lead band sabot, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot, filled with balls, or as "common", without balls.  This shell is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls, and with a time fuse was designed to detonate above the heads of troops in the open field.  This pattern features a rounded nose designed to pack additional "case shot" balls, the fuse is brass and the balls are lead.  Three flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  Shell cavity is split into two parts, upper chamber contained iron balls, bottom chamber contained the explosive charge, on detonation a bolt would force the balls out the top of the shell.  On case shot shells, there is no bottom plug, but there is a small internal pin apparently holding the separator bolt in place.  Hotchkiss patent date was cast (not stamped) into the base, "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855", and is typically weak.  Fuse employed was a Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange, Jones pg. 87.  Shell measures: diameter 2.9in., length 7.0in unfired, 6.75in. sabot compressed from firing, excluding fuse, weight 9lbs.  Metal strong with light pitting, unfired sabot, brass time fuse, shell disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 167.   $275.

A2927     Read shell, bourreleted ringed short pattern, copper ring thick sabot and milled, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war, employing Read's design.  This pattern utilized two bourrelet rings, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough.  A lathe dimple in the base, and a casting sprue on the nose are usually prominent.  Read developed this copper ring sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot, sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom.  Fuse employed was a Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41.  Shell measures: diameter 2.95in., length 7.25in. (excluding the fuse) unfired sabot, 7.0in. fired sabot, weight 8lbs. Fired sabot shows 7 lands and grooves.  Metal solid, fired sabot intact, copper time fuse is intact but damaged.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse.  Recovered: Ashby Gap, Virginia, this is mountain crossing into the Shenandoah Valley modern highway US 50. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 257.           $300.

A2928     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), Federal Bormann time fuse with wrench double slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field, solid shot was generally used against opposing cannon, but one could be substituted for the other as needed.  Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9 to 11lbs. with balls), or as "common" (approx 6 to 8lbs. without balls).  This ball is "common" or standard round, explosive charge only without balls.  Fuse employed was a Federal Bormann time fuse, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7.6lbs.   Metal solid, fuse intact.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the bottom.  Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.         $250.

A2930     Ball, shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuse with wrench double slot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Ball was intended for the smoothbore 6 pounder which had been the primary field howitzer in use before the Civil War but was outclassed by the new 12 pounders generally available.  The arsenals were stocked with them, most were manufactured before the war and both sides used them but primary use was southern.  The exploding balls were equipped with time fuses designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field, solid shot was generally used against opposing cannon, but one could be substituted for the other as needed.  Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 5lbs. with balls ), or as "common" (approx 4lbs. without balls).  This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls.  This shell is equipped with a Federal manufactured Bormann time fuse, .75 second starting notch, double wrench slots, entire fuse was threaded, (Jones pg. 22).  Shell measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5.2lbs.   Metal solid, Bormann fuse intact, burned out from firing.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the bottom.  Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29.          $300.

A2931     Canister, thin iron can, iron balls, wood cylinder sabot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. The canister was the artillerists weapon of last resort. Once the enemy got close to the battery, the gunners would load these rounds, and the flimsy can would burst on firing sending the contents in scatter fashion against the troops charging the cannon.  The fire was devastating against the troops but the enemy would be so close that it would limit the artillerists options to reload and shoot.   The can was filled with iron balls, an iron plate was fitted on the top and the bottom with a wood sabot to provide a flat bottom so that .the can would be pushed out the bore.  Shell measures: diameter 3.67in., length 6.75 in. including the sabot, 4.5in, without the sabot.  Canister is reconstructed from parts, the original can is almost always lost, plates and balls are glued together, configuration is correct.  Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 54.    $450.

A2932     Ball, shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuse, lead side-plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball is Confederate wartime manufacture for the light smoothbore "Napoleon" cannon using the copper time fuse designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field.  Those with side plugs were generally configured as case shot (approx 10lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 9lbs.) and without balls.  This shell is "case shot" and employed a side plug as a way to load iron balls into the shell.  Conventional case shot shells were usually filled with soft matrix and lead balls, an auger would be used to drill through the lead balls and the matrix to create a void for the powder train.  Because of a shortage of lead, the Confederates substituted iron balls.  To drill through a mixture of matrix and iron balls would be difficult, so a sizing rod would be inserted through the fuse hole to reserve a void for the powder, the iron balls and matrix would be loaded through a side hole, once loaded the side hole would be plugged, the sizing rod would be removed, and the powder train would be filled.  This one was sealed with a lead side-plug.  Fuse employed was a Confederate copper time fuse, short pattern for spherical projectiles, with flange and spanner holes, the fuse hole is recessed to seat the flange flush with the curvature of the ball, (Jones pg. 38).  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9.7lbs.  Metal solid, has not been cleaned, fuse and side plug intact.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse.  Recovered: Petersburg, Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 32. Cut shell, left side in picture, available $250. Cut shell, right side in picture,  Sale pending.

A2933     Hotchkiss shell, "case shot", rounded nose, with flame grooves, lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, iron separator bolt, lead band sabot, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Parrott rifle, 3in.   Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot, filled with balls, or as "common", without balls.  This shell is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls, and with a time fuse was designed to detonate above the heads of troops in the open field.  This pattern features a rounded nose designed to pack additional "case shot" balls, the fuse is brass and the balls are lead, packed in black asphalt matrix.  Three flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  Shell cavity is split into two parts, upper chamber contained iron balls, bottom chamber contained the explosive charge, on detonation a bolt would force the balls out the top of the shell.  On case shot shells, there is no bottom plug, but there is a small internal pin apparently holding the separator bolt in place.  Hotchkiss patent date was cast (not stamped) into the base, "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855", and is typically weak.  Fuse employed was a Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange, Jones pg. 87.  Shell was fired from a 10 pounder Parrott rifle, three distinct lands and grooves.  Hotchkiss did not approve use of his shells in Parrott rifles, because the small number of rifling grooves produced so much torque on the sabot, failure rate was unacceptably high.  Shell measures: diameter 2.9in., length 7.0in unfired, 6.75in. sabot compressed from firing, excluding fuse, weight 8.3lbs.  Metal is solid with pitting, time fuse intact.  Shell is cut exposing the cross section showing lead balls packed in black asphalt, and both chambers.  Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 167.      Sold.

A2936     Package of paper time fuze primers, Frankfort Arsenal 1863, five 4 second fuzes. Red paper is marked "Frankford Arsenal / 1863 / 4 SECOND FUZES / To take a fuze from the package, tear the paper at top by raising the piece of tape and press against the small end of the fuze with the finger."  Box contains 5 fuze primers, a paper tube filled with a flammable product, ingredients mixed to burn the designated time while in flight. The gunner would estimate the time to the target, insert the appropriate timed primer into the metal or wood time fuse adaptor in the nose of the shell, which would be ignited on firing, and burn into the powder cavity detonating the shell as it reached the target. Ref: Jones Fuse pg. 161 upper right.          Sold.

A2937     Package of paper time fuze primers, Frankfort Arsenal 1863, five 12 second fuzes. Blue paper is marked "Frankford Arsenal / 1863 / 12 SECOND FUZES / To take a fuze from the package, tear the paper at top by raising the piece of tape and press against the small end of the fuze with the finger."  Box contains 5 fuze primers, a paper tube filled with a flammable product, ingredients mixed to burn the designated time while in flight. The gunner would estimate the time to the target, insert the appropriate timed primer into the metal or wood time fuse adaptor in the nose of the shell, which would be ignited on firing, and burn into the powder cavity detonating the shell as it reached the target. Ref: Jones Fuse pg. 161 bottom right.          Sold.

A2938     James bolt, open base with slots, lead and tin sleeve sabot, rifled James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Charles James.  The pattern utilized a hollow caged cavity (called a "birdcage") covered by a thin sleeve of lead, tin, and canvass, the thin sabot would expand into the rifling, and then be discharged after the projectile left the bore.  This meant that there always be flying metal litter which could be a problem for forward troops.  Four small holes were drilled into the base, these are thought to have been vent holes, however they are often lead filled.  Shell is solid casting, or "bolt" and was designed to be used against opposing cannon by striking the equipment.  Shell measures: diameter 3.7in.,  length7.0in., weight11.3lbs.  Tin and lead sleeve sabot separated on firing.  Metal solid, birdcage visible.  Shell disarmed, this is solid iron casting never had a cavity or bursting charge.  Recovered: Jenkins Ferry Arkansas. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 187.    $550.

A2939     Ball, Navy thick walled shell, single fuse, Navy watercap fuse, Federal Rodman, 11 in. The 11 inch Rodman was a heavy gun designed for use on the monitor class of ironclads.  There were several of them built, these ships with their ironclad protection would move close to the target delivering these heavy balls to degrade the dug in defending fortifications.  Fuse employed is a single Federal Navy watercap fuse, Jones pg. 10.  Shell measures: diameter 10.9in., weight 125lbs.  Metal is solid, watercap fuse is missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: North Carolina defenses. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 77.          $500.

A2940     James, "hot shot", open base with slots, lead and tin sleeve sabot, 12 pounder rifle, 4.62in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Charles James.  This was intended to fire a "hot shot" or heated round, the iron base was designed to keep the hot ball separated from the powder, presumably the heated ball would cause more damage at the target.  Top of the base is rounded to seat a round ball.  This caliber is unusual, it is not sure if this was intended for a "rifled" 12 pounder or if this was to be fired from a conventional 12 pounder smooth bore, either way it apparently did not work very well and production was limited to a few test rounds.  Shell without ball measures: diameter 4.25in., length 3.125in., weight 7.4lb.  Fired shell, sleeve sabot and ball separated on firing, ball in the picture is for illustration only, it was not used with this base.  Metal solid with some pitting.  Recovered: Shiloh, Tennessee. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 191, 3.8in diameter this is 12 pounder.         Sold.

A2941     James shell, "case shot", open base with slots, lead and tin sleeve sabot, tie ring base, James percussion fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8in.   Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Charles James.  The pattern utilized a hollow caged cavity (called a "birdcage") covered by a thin sleeve of lead, tin, and canvass, the thin sabot would expand into the rifling, and then be discharged after the projectile left the bore.  This meant that there always be flying metal litter which could be a problem for forward troops.  Four small holes were drilled into the base, these are thought to have been vent holes, however they are often lead filled.  A ring around the base was originally installed to hold an iron cup, however it appears the iron cup may not have been used and the tie ring either was abandoned or used to secure the powder bag.  Shell is "case shot", explosive charge with iron balls.  It is highly unusual for a shell to be equipped with a percussion fuse and case shot, normally case shot shells use time fuses to explode near an enemy line without needing to strike the target.  However, at least one battery was given percussion fused case shot shells, any that actually hit the target would also have spread case shot, it is doubtful this was effective.   Fuse employed was the James brass anvil percussion fuse, "West Point" two part fuse, Jones pg. 30.  Ball is filled with iron case shot balls, sulfur or yellow matrix.  Shell measures: diameter 3.7in., length not meaningful due to split, weight 10.6lb.  Fuse and sabot are missing, both presumably separated on firing.   Dug shell split into two parts, top and bottom, as moisture entered the shell, the matrix expanded causing shell to split along the line of greatest weakness which was the section around the mid ring,  Shell disarmed, shell split into to parts fully exposing the interior.  Recovered: Gauley Bridge, West Virginia by Dean Weinbrenner, another example shown from the same site and digger, D & G page 530. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 189.    Sold.

A2942     James bolt, Confederate adaptation, long pointed nose, open base with slots, lead sleeve sabot, Confederate rifle, 3.3in.  Projectile was manufactured in the Confederate arsenals adapting some design features from the Federal patterns designed by Charles James.  The Confederate pattern was proportionately longer and more narrow.  The design was not successful, few were produced, and the top completely separated from the bottom on all battlefield fired examples recovered.   This may be the only known example recorded, although there are likely to be others, an example with rounded nose is shown in D&G book, this pattern is much more pointed.   Shell measures: diameter and length not meaningful, weight 7lbs, nose section only.    Nose section only, bottom separated on firing.  Metal smooth.  Shell is disarmed, solid casting never had a cavity or bursting charge.  Recovered Port Hudson, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 183.   $400.

A2943     James shell, "common" (standard), closed base with slots, lead and tin sleeve sabot, James percussion fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Charles James.  The earlier hollow caged cavity was replaced with a flanged base with tapered tail, covered by a thick lead sabot, referred to as Type II.   This eliminated  the automatic blowout of the sabot from the hollow cavity design, but left a very heavy sabot that tended to significantly distort on firing, consequently this pattern was not particularly successful either.  Shell is common shot (does not contain balls) and with percussion fuse was was designed to be used against opposing cannon by striking the equipment.  Fuse employed was the James brass anvil percussion fuse, "West Point" two part fuse, Jones pg. 30.  Shell measures: diameter 3.7in., length 7.5in., weight 11.7lb, remnants of sabot only.  Fired shell, sabot partially separated on firing.   Metal is solid, sabot is remnants only, brass percussion fuse intact.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the bottom.  Recovered Vicksburg, Mississippi. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 190.         $450.

A2944     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, Coehorn mortar, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in. Ball with the small wood fuse hole was intended for the Coehorn mortar, a relatively light cannon that could be lifted and placed into position by a couple of strong men behind a trench line, it was effective against troops in the opposing trench line.  However it could alternately be used for the longer range cannons   Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell was cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the howitzer cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: 5.7in., weight 16.3lb.  Metal solid wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 51.   $225.

A2946     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, Coehorn mortar, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in. Ball with the small wood fuse hole was intended for the Coehorn mortar, a relatively light cannon that could be lifted and placed into position by a couple of strong men behind a trench line, it was effective against troops in the opposing trench line.  However it could alternately be used for the longer range cannons   Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell was cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the howitzer cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: 5.7in., weight 16.6lb.  Metal solid wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 51.       $225.

A2947     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, Coehorn mortar, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in. Ball with the small wood fuse hole was intended for the Coehorn mortar, a relatively light cannon that could be lifted and placed into position by a couple of strong men behind a trench line, it was effective against troops in the opposing trench line.  However it could alternately be used for the longer range cannons   Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell was cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the howitzer cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: 5.7in., weight 16.5lb.  Metal solid wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 51.       $225.

A2949     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, Coehorn mortar, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in.  Ball with the small wood fuse hole was intended for the Coehorn mortar, a relatively light cannon that could be lifted and placed into position by a couple of strong men behind a trench line, it was effective against troops in the opposing trench line.  However it could alternately be used for the longer range cannons   Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell was cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the howitzer cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: 5.7in., weight 16.0lb.  Metal solid wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 51.         $225.

A2950     Parrott shell, "case shot", wrought iron sabot, Parrott time fuse without a flange, Parrott 10 pounder rifle, 2.9in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the prewar invention of Robert Parrott and John Read working together.  The sabot system utilized was a wrought iron ring, referred to as the "Type I" sabot, rifling was precast with three flanges, because it was too stiff to take the rifling otherwise.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9.5lbs to 11lbs. with balls ), or as "common" (approx 8lbs. to 9lbs. without balls).  This shell is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls, and with a time fuse was designed to detonate above the heads of troops in the open field.  Fuse employed was a Parrott zinc time fuse, typically the pattern without a flange, (Jones, Fuses, pg. 76), edge of the fuse hole is milled thin.  Bottom of shell usually shows a casting sprue which was rough milled.  Shell measures: diameter 2.86in., length 8.5in., weight 8.9lbs.  Wrought iron sabot is pre-rifled with 3 lands and grooves.  Metal solid, fuse is partial, sabot intact.  Shell disarmed, two drill holes through the side.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 216.          $275.

A2951     Parrott shell, narrow ring brass sabot, Parrott time fuse with a flange, Parrott 10 pounder rifle, 2.9in.  Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Robert Parrott.  The sabot system utilized was a narrow brass ring secured to the base with internal rabbets, referred to as "type III", more flexible than wrought iron and more narrow than the high band, this took the rifling much better than the earlier designs.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9.5lbs to 11lbs. with balls ), or as "common" (approx 8lbs. to 9lbs. without balls).  Fuse employed was a a Parrott zinc time fuse, typically the pattern with a rounded top and flange, an innovation to prevent gas leaks around the fuse causing premature detonations, (Jones, Fuses, pg. 77 upper left), edge of the fuse hole is milled flat.  Bottom of shell usually shows a casting sprue which was rough milled.  Shell measures: diameter 2.86in., length 8.5in., weight 8.4lbs.  Wrought iron sabot is un-fired.  Metal solid, fuse is missing, threads intact could be cleaned, un-fired sabot intact.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 226.        $250.

A2952     Hotchkiss shell, "common" (standard), with flame grooves, lead band sabot, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot, filled with balls, or as "common", without balls.  This shell is a "common" shell, (standard), it does not contain balls, and with a time fuse it was designed to be used against either troops in the open field or enemy cannon.  The nose section is pointed, containing an open cavity for the explosive charge only, without a separator bolt.  Nose section contains a plugged hole centered on the bottom, presumably this hole was used to secure the core on casting, then a plug was installed to seal the bottom.  Three flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  On case shot shells, there is no bottom plug, but there is a small internal pin apparently holding the separator bolt in place.  Hotchkiss patent date was cast (not stamped) into the base, "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855", and is typically weak.  Fuse employed was a Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange, Jones pg. 87.  Shell measures: diameter 2.86in., length 8.5in., weight 4.5lbs, nose only.  Sabot and base separated on firing.  Metal solid, fuse is intact, nose only, shell as found has not been restored.  Shell disarmed, drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse.  Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 167.           $125.

A2953     Ball, shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuse, wood shipping plug, lead side-plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Ball is Confederate wartime manufacture for the light smoothbore "Napoleon" cannon using the copper time fuse designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field.  Those with side plugs were generally configured as case shot (approx 10lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 9lbs.) and without balls.  This shell is "case shot" and employed a side plug as a way to load iron balls into the shell.  Conventional case shot shells were usually filled with soft matrix and lead balls, an auger would be used to drill through the lead balls and the matrix to create a void for the powder train.  Because of a shortage of lead, the Confederates substituted iron balls.  To drill through a mixture of matrix and iron balls would be difficult, so a sizing rod would be inserted through the fuse hole to reserve a void for the powder, the iron balls and matrix would be loaded through a side hole, once loaded the side hole would be plugged, the sizing rod would be removed, and the powder train would be filled.  This one was sealed with a lead side-plug.  Fuse employed was a Confederate copper time fuse, short pattern for spherical projectiles, with flange and spanner holes, the fuse hole is recessed to seat the flange flush with the curvature of the ball, (Jones pg. 38).  The shells were generally delivered to the field with the powder train plugged with a shipping plug, this to keep the contents fresh through the long Petersburg siege, the copper fuse would be installed just before actual use.  Some never had the fuse installed and were either fired with the shipping plug in place or abandoned. Shell measures: diameter 4.5in., weight 6.2lbs, contents empty.  Confederate copper time fuse is missing, case shot balls apparently were removed.  Metal solid with some pitting spots, fuse is missing, lead side plug intact, case shot balls removed.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes the empty interior.  Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 32.   Sold.

A2954     Hotchkiss bolt, nose only, 3.8in., cupped base. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss.  The pattern consisted of three parts, a nose section containing the explosive charge, a cast iron cup fitted on the bottom, and lead band sabot cast around the middle, on firing the cup would compress the lead band sabot expanding it into the rifling.  Shell is solid casting, or "bolt" and was designed to be used against opposing cannon by striking the equipment, use of this light bolt had limited applicability and is relatively scarce in the smaller calibers.  Nose of this pattern is pointed, with a deep cup or hollow area in the lower part of the nose, this was probably an effort to shift the center of gravity forward.  Shell measures: diameter 3.5in., length 5.25in., weight 6.4lbs, nose only.  Sabot and base separated on firing.  Metal solid, fuse is intact, nose only.  Shell disarmed, solid casting never had a cavity or bursting charge.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg.171.        $150.

A2955     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, Coehorn mortar, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in. Ball with the small wood fuse hole was intended for the Coehorn mortar, a relatively light cannon that could be lifted and placed into position by a couple of strong men behind a trench line, it was effective against troops in the opposing trench line.  However it could alternately be used for the longer range cannons   Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell was cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the howitzer cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: 5.7in., weight 16.4lb.  Metal solid wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 51.       $225.

A2956     Ball, shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuse with .875in. opening, Coehorn mortar, smoothbore 24 pounder, 5.82 in. Ball with the small wood fuse hole was intended for the Coehorn mortar, a relatively light cannon that could be lifted and placed into position by a couple of strong men behind a trench line, it was effective against troops in the opposing trench line.  However it could alternately be used for the longer range cannons   Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuses pg. 2.  Shell was cast for a smaller opening, (.875in. versus 1.125in.) may have originally distinguished the mortar from the howitzer cannon, but the difference is slight and apparently either would do if needed.  Those with rounded cavity and thick walls likely did not carry balls and are "common" rounds (standard).  Relatively thick casting, shell is apparently a "common" shot.  Shell measures: 5.7in., weight 16.4lb.  Metal solid wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 51.       $225.

A2957     Broun shell, short pattern, copper band sabot, wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3in.  Projectile was Confederate manufactured following William Broun's design.  The sabot system utilized was a thin copper band sabot, notched into the base of the shell.  This pattern shell with a rounded nose, utilized a wide bourrelet band at the top, the sabot was slightly larger than the rest of the shell and served as a second bourrelet, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough.  A lathe dimple in the base, and a casting sprue on the nose are usually noted.  This pattern was produced late in the war as iron was in short supply, recycled material was often used and the metal quality of these shells is almost always poor.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place.  Shell measures: diameter 2.95in., length 7.5in., excluding the fuse, weight 8.4lbs.  High band copper brass sabot shows 7 lands and grooves fired from Confederate rifle.  Metal solid with pitting, fired sabot fully intact, wood fuse missing.  Shell disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior.   Recovered: Richmond Petersburg, Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 132.   $450.

A2958     Ball, shell, "common", Federal Bormann time fuse with wrench single slot and two stars, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in.  Ball was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuse designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field, solid shot was generally used against opposing cannon, but one could be substituted for the other as needed.  Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball.  Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9 to 11lbs. with balls), or as "common" (approx 6 to 8lbs. without balls).  This ball is "common" (standard), explosive charge only without balls.    Fuse employed was a Federal Bormann time fuse, 3/4 second starting time, single slot and double stars, depressed star on the left, raised star on right side, Jones pg. 22, lower right.  Shell measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7.8lbs.  Metal solid, Bormann fuse intact, punched some numbers readable.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.        $300.

A2960     Parrott shell, long pattern, high band rabbeted brass band sabot with 8 notches, Parrott percussion fuse, "improved one part design", Parrott 30 pounder rifle, 4.2in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Robert Parrott.  The sabot system utilized was a thin wide brass band secured to the base with rabbets, referred to as "type II", more flexible than the earlier wrought iron design, this pattern was secured with 8 notches flush with the exterior of the shell.  The thin soft brass sabot had a tendency to separate from the shell on firing, rendering it unsatisfactory for field use, but it was used extensively on heavy siege artillery where friendly infantry would not generally be located forward of the fire.  This shell is a "common" shell, (standard), it does not contain balls, and with a percussion fuse it was designed to detonate after striking enemy cannon or equipment.  Fuse employed was a Parrott zinc percussion fuse, this one used the "improved" one part design, edge of the fuse hole is milled flat, Jones pg. 81.   Bottom of shell usually shows a casting sprue which was rough milled.  Shell measures: diameter 4.1in., length 12in. (excluding fuse), weight 26lbs., sabot missing.  High band sabot separated on firing.  Metal solid, fuse intact, sabot missing.  Recovered: Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 279.   $325.

A2961     Read shell, smooth sided long pattern, tapered nose, copper ring sabot milled, wood time fuse, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war.  Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot  Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded.  Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place.  Shell measures diameter 3.63in., length 9.75in.(excluding fuse), weight 14lbs.  Metal is solid with pitting, wood time fuse is partial, fired sabot is partial.  Shell is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 283.        $250.

A2962     Read shell, smooth sided long pattern, tapered nose, wood time fuse, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war.  Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot  Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded.  Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom.  Fuse employed was a wood time fuse, Jones Fuses pg. 2, fuse hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuse could easily be hammered into place.  Large fragment, entire bottom and sabot missing, separated on firing.  Metal solid with pitting.  Shell is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the time fuse. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign, not confirmed. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 283.       Sold.

A2963     Parrott shell, short pattern without rivet, high band brass band sabot with 10 rabbets, Parrott percussion fuse, Parrott 100 pounder rifle, 6.4in. Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following development of Parrott's patent.  The sabot, referred to as "type II", utilized a thin wide brass band which was softer and more flexible than wrought iron, secured to the base with 10 rabbets.  However performance was poor, the thin soft brass sabot either failed to take the rifling or had a tendency to separate on firing, resulting in shards of brass flying into the backs of the forward infantry. However for large caliber guns, fired from ships or forts, flying sabots was less of a problem and this pattern of sabot became the primary convention for siege guns.  Bottom is flat, use of rivets to center the core were apparently introduced later.  This "short" pattern may have been designed to be able utilize case shot, but it appears that most were configured with percussion fuses and full powder charge.  Fuse employed was Parrott zinc one part percussion fuse, "improved" design, edge of the fuse hole is milled flat, Jones pg. 81.  Shell measures: diameter 6.25in., length 15.5in. (excluding fuse), weight 78lbs. approx. with sabot.  High band brass sabot is fired showing 7 lands and grooves.  Metal is solid, threaded fuse missing, fired sabot intact.  Shell is disarmed, open fuse hole exposes empty interior, plus there are four drill holes on the side, it apparently had a white metal fuse when recovered that was lost in restoration.  Recovered: not known. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 297.         $650.

A2964     Ball, Navy thick walled shell, single fuse, Navy watercap fuse, Federal Rodman, 11 in. The 11 inch Rodman was a heavy gun designed for use on the monitor class of ironclads.  There were several of them built, these ships with their ironclad protection would move close to the target delivering these heavy balls to degrade the dug in defending fortifications.  Fuse employed is a single Federal Navy watercap fuse, Jones pg. 10.  Shell measures: diameter 10.9in., weight 125lbs.  Metal solid, watercap fuse dating 1862 is removable, threads are dirty and the fuse screws in about half way, if threads are cleaned or re-tapped the fuse will go in all the way.  Shell disarmed, removable fuse exposes empty cavity.  Recovered: North Carolina defenses. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 77.   Ball and removable watercap fuse dated 1862.   $700.

A2965     Ball, shell, thick walled, Navy watercap time fuse, Arsenal mark "T" and "9", Federal Dahlgren, 9 in. The 9 inch Dahlgren was a heavy smoothbore gun designed for the Federal river gunships.   Federal Navy watercap fuse, , (Jones pg. 10).   Shell is marked with inspector mark, "T" and "9", presumably indicating the size.  Shell measures: diameter 8.9in., weight 67lbs.  Metal is solid, watercap fuse dated 1862 is removable.  Shell disarmed, fuse is removable exposing empty interior.  Recovered: North Carolina defenses. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 61.       $900.

A2966     Parrott bolt, wide chill nose, high band brass band sabot with 10 rabbets, Parrott 100 pounder rifle, 6.4in.  Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals following development of Parrott's patent.  The sabot, referred to as "type II", utilized a thin wide brass band which was softer and more flexible than wrought iron, secured to the base with rabbets.  However performance was poor, the thin soft brass sabot either failed to take the rifling or had a tendency to separate on firing, resulting in shards of brass flying into the backs of the forward infantry. However for large caliber guns, fired from ships or forts, flying sabots was less of a problem and this pattern of sabot became the primary convention for siege guns. This bolt was designed with an indented area around the nose with a flat top, this is sometimes referred to as "bottle nose', it is a variation of the chill nose employed in smaller calibers.  Shell measures: diameter 6.25in., length 13.75in., weight 87lbs., without sabot.  High band sabot separated on firing.  Metal solid with pitting, sabot missing.  Shell disarmed, solid iron casting has no cavity.  Recovered: Charleston, South Carolina, not confirmed. Ref: Bell, Heavy Ordnance, pg. 295.    $700.

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Shipping of artillery shells and my show schedule:
Shipping shells almost anywhere is not a problem.  UPS accepts packages up to 150 pounds, this will take care of most shells below 8 inch Parrotts and 13 inch round balls.  Heavier than that requires common carrier.  I charge shipping at estimated commercial cost.  I do attend most "national" shows (Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina).  I can deliver any shell to a show to be picked up at no charge.  Please understand that I only bring a small sampling of shells to sit on my table at a show, these things are heavy and I don't like to bring shells to a show unless they are making a one way trip.  So while I may have many shells on my webpage, I typically bring only a small sampling to most shows, otherwise I would need a tractor trailer truck to hall all this stuff.  So if you see a shell you want, please tell me you want it before I leave for a show, and I can bring it for you or work a layaway with final payment to be made at the show.

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