Civil War Artillery

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VIRGINIA CIVIL WAR RELICS

Civil War Artillery

This page last updated August 22, 2010

EMAIL Phone: 804-873-5462

virginiarelics@comcast.net

Plez Bagby
PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906

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PC3138
US 3.8 Inch Type I James Bolt

This fired US 3.8 inch Type I James bolt is in very good condition and was excavated in the Northern Virginia area in the 1970's. The mildly pitted iron has not been treated or coated and is basically in its excavated state. The lead and tin sleeve sabot is no longer present but the rest of the bolt is intact. This bolt weighs approximately 11.8 pounds, is approximately 3.67 in diameter and approximately 7.13 inches in length. It was fired from a 14-pounder James Rifle with a 3.8 inch caliber. According to Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", this example, found in the 1993 revised and supplemented edition of his book on page 187, is slightly unusual in that the horizontal "cross-cuts" between the vertical slots or, openings in the cage, are more like those found on the pre-war example found on page 186 suggesting that this bolt's production time frame was between the two examples mentioned above. The lengthening of the horizontal grooves was a modification that was intended to help prevent the sabot from prematurely flying off as the bolt left the guns bore at the muzzle. Exploding sabots at the muzzle of a gun would most certainly present an immediate danger to the poor artillerymen firing the weapon. James bolts are rarer than James shells and this bolt will make an excellent addition to any artillery or general relic collection. This particular artillery bolt is safe for display. SOLD

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PC3137
US Ten Inch Mortar Shell

This excavated 10 inch US mortar shell is in very good condition and was recovered many decades ago from the Fort Ward area in Alexandria, VA. This example is still as found, or rather, "in the raw" as it has not been coated. The iron is solid with a smooth surface showing only minimal pitting. To either side of its fuse hole are the lifting ears where the tips of the tongs were inserted to lift the shell into the mortar. These shells were fired from a 10-inch Mortar designed for siege operations, filled with gunpowder, and used a wood drive-in fuse. This example has a fuse hole diameter of approximately 1 1/4 inches, a fuse depth of approximately 1 3/4 inches, a circumference of approximately 31 inches, and weighs approximately 84 lbs. Its diameter is approximately 9.87 inches. This fine artillery mortar shell is a great piece of history that has been deactivated and will display nicely in any artillery collection, office or den. SOLD

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PC3085
Solid Iron Hammer

This solid iron hammer, often referred to by diggers as an "artillery hammer", is in very good condition. It was cleaned and lightly clear coated by the digger many decades ago. It measures approximately 10 5/8 inches in length and has a 4 1/2 inch head length. The lower end of the handle is shaped into a wedge. An example of a similar hammer can be found in Howard Crouch's book "Civil War Artifacts" on page 119 as item #3. According to Crouch these type of hammers were used by artillerymen. This relic was excavated, with permission, in the area of the battle of Malvern Hill, Henrico County, VA., by Gene Cooley. Mr. Cooley is in his late 80's and still relic hunts today. To read more about Mr. Cooley please click here. $115.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2987
Federal 4.5 Inch Dyer Case-Shot Artillery Projectile

This unfired Federal 4.5 inch Dyer case-shot artillery projectile is in excellent condition. Rarely do you find them with the lead sabots intact, but in this case, it is all here. It is highly likely that this specimen was recovered from the famous river dumping at Augusta, Georgia near the arsenal site. This most-probable provenance is due to the fact that several other unfired 4.5 inch Dyers were recovered there and also because there is evidence of very small particles of a sandy silica concretion on this projectile's iron body (which is a characteristic of shells recovered from that river). These particles are hardly noticeable in regular lighting but looking closely one can see glimmers very tiny mica particles in few areas. This information, coupled with the sandy silica residue removed from the fuse hole while deactivating it, Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", was 99% sure that its location recovery was, in fact, from the river dumping at Augusta. The iron is in very good condition with only mild surface pitting. The lead sabot has a couple of Civil War period gouges which may have occurred during the dumping of the group. It weighs approximately 28 pounds and is approximately 9 inches in length. It has been deactivated and is ready for display. 795.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC1825

Confederate 12 Pounder Side Loader Case-Shot with Brass Side Plug

This Confederate 12 pounder side loader is in very good condition and was recovered in the area of Petersburg, VA. Though the ball has moderate pitting from years of being buried in the ground, it has been run through electrolysis so as to stabilize the iron. Its copper fuse adaptor is present as well as its very rare brass side plug. The purpose of the side plug was to seal the hole which enabled the loading of small iron balls along with a hot liquified matrix into the shell. According to Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", what is interesting about this piece is that its side plug, instead of being constructed of copper, it is actually "a salvaged Bormann-fuze support plug, made of brass, whose flash hole has been intentionally sealed." The reason for their use was due to the severe shortage of both lead and copper in the Confederacy by the autumn of 1864. Both of these materials, along with iron, had previously been used as side plugs. This side loader has been deactivated and is ready for display. It is certainly an excellent example of a late war artillery piece from a very important place and point in the war. It weighs approximately 9.6 pounds and is approximately 4.52 inches in diameter. SOLD

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PC1886
US 3 Inch Combination-Fuzed Schenkl Case-Shot

This US 3 inch combination-fuzed Schenkl case-shot is in very good condition and was recovered many years ago from the James River, east of Richmond, VA. Its iron is smooth and stable with little or no pitting. The zinc Schenkl combination percussion and time fuze is in good shape with nearly every number and Patent date visible. The shell weighs approximately 8.2 pounds and is approximately 2.94 inches in diameter and 9 inches in length. This interesting piece of artillery comes on a specially made wooden stand and will make an excellent addition to any artillery or general relic collection. This shell has been deactivated and is ready for display. 595.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2879
Five Canister Shot

These five canister shot, measuring approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, were all excavated in from the Bermuda Hundred, VA area. All are rusty but are still in good round stable condition. $75.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2809
20 Pounder Parrott Shell - Brass Sabot

This fired long body 20 pounder Parrott shell with type III brass ring sabot is in very good condition. The iron is stable with only minor pitting, and its sabot is complete. This shell would have used a Parrott zinc percussion fuse which is not present. The shell weighs 16.4 pounds, its diameter is 3.6 inches, and is 10 inches in length without the fuse. This example would have been fired from a 20 pounder Parrott rifle, 3.67 inch caliber. It has been deactivated, cleaned and will display very nicely. $325.00 Ordering Information or Questions?

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PC2684
Complete US 3 Inch Type II Hotchkiss Shell

This excavated US 3 inch Type II Hotchkiss shell is a complete fired example. The brass fuse adaptor and lead sabot are both present and in good condition. The nose section and base cup iron is moderately pitted with a couple of quarter size divots in the bottom of the base. This shell has been deactivated, lightly clear coated and is ready for display. Its weight is approximately 8.4 pounds and length is approximately 6 3/4 inches. Recovered in the Shenendoah Valley of Virginia, this fine artillery shell will make an excellent addition to any artillery or general excavated relic collection. 265.00 Ordering Information or Questions?

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PC2683
Complete US 3 Inch Type II Hotchkiss Case Shot

This complete dropped US Type II Hotchkiss case shot for a 3 inch rifle is in very good condition. The iron is in great shape with little minimal pitting. The brass fuse and lead sabot are both present and in good shape. It has been disarmed, cleaned, and lightly coated. The length is approximately 7 1/4 inches and it weighs approximately 8.8 lbs. $295.00 Ordering Information or Questions?

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PC2599
Federal 2.86 Inch Parrot Shell with Brass Sabot and Percussion Fuse

This fired Federal 2.86 inch Parrott shell is in excellent condition. The iron is mostly smooth with some very light surface pitting on one side. The zinc percussion fuse is still mostly intact and the brass sabot remains attached. It has been deactivated, cleaned, and lightly clear coated. Its length is approximately 8 3/4 inches and weighs approximately 8.6 pounds This shell will make an excellent addition to any Civil War artillery or general excavated relic collection. SOLD

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PC2450
3 Inch Dyer Shell with Base Straps & Modified Sabot

This 3 inch Dyer shell is in very good condition and was recovered in central Virginia. The iron is mostly smooth with minimal pitting and the solder fuse adaptor is still present. This example is a US prototype common shell which originally did not have flame grooves in its zinc sabot. Since Dyer shells were not performing particularly well, many were field modified such as this one with the addition of 3 flame grooves in its sabot. This shell also still retains the iron straps on its base that were used to hold the powder bag on to the shell. This artillery projectile has been deactivated and will make an excellent addition to any artillery or general excavated relic collection. Approximate weight is 8 lbs. and length is 7 inches. $350.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2454
12 Pounder Solid Shot Cannonball

This 12 pounder solid shot cannonball is in good condition and was excavated in Petersburg, VA. There is moderate pitting in some areas of the iron and smooth areas elsewhere but it was clear coated to prevent any further deterioration. This basic artillery smoothbore projectile will make an excellent display piece. Approximately 11 lbs. $150.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2496
Confederate 3 Inch Read Shell

This Confederate 3 inch Read shell is in good condition and still retains its copper sabot and fuse. The lightly clear coated iron is pitted in some areas, more so than others, but the shell has been run through electrolysis and is now stable. The shell has been drilled through the fuse adaptor, thoroughly flushed, and is now disarmed. I showed this shell to Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", and he was unable to determine whether or not this shell had been fired or not. Initially, after studying its sabot, he noticed that it had no rifling marks nor did it show any evidence of "expansion", he leaned towards it being unfired. He then added, however, that the condition of the body of the shell and fuse adaptor indicated a fired example. Fired or unfired, this shell will make an excellent addition to any excavated artillery or general relic collection. Unfortunately its exact recovery location is unknown. Approximate weight is 7.2 lbs and the length is 7 5/8 inches. $395.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2497
20 Pounder Parrott Shell - Iron Sabot

This fired 20 pounder Parrott long body shell with iron sabot is in good condition was recovered out of Port Hudson, LA. This shell would have been fired from a 20 pounder Parrott rifle, 3.67 inch caliber. The iron has moderate pitting with some nickel to dime size surface divots. Part of the zinc fuse plug in the threaded fuse hole is still visible. The shell has been deactivated, cleaned, and lightly clear coated. It is 10 1/8 inches in length, 3.67 inches in diameter, and weighs 15.6 pounds. This shell is a nice example to add to any excavated relic collection. $265.00 Ordering Information or Questions?

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PC2502
20 Pounder Parrott "Chill Nose" Bolt - Type III Brass Sabot

This fired 20 pounder Parrott "chill nose" bolt is in very good condition. The iron has light to moderate surface pitting and has been lightly clear coated as a preservative. The type III low band brass sabot is present and clearly shows the 5 lands and grooves which were formed as it traveled through the cannon tube. Since these bolts were mainly intended for use against enemy cannon, the nose of these bolts were made smaller, and chilled to harden, so as to have a greater force upon impact. This example was excavated from Port Hudson, Louisiana. It's diameter is 3.62 inches, its length is 8.75 inches and it weighs approximately 18.8 pounds. $275.00 Ordering Information or Questions?

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PC2456
12 Pounder Case Shot

This 12 pounder case shot is good condition and was recovered in central Virginia. The iron is moderately pitted and has been lightly clear coated so as to preserve it. This case shot would have used a wood drive-in fuse plug with a paper time fuse. This example weighs approximately 10.8 lbs and will make an excellent addition to any artillery or general excavated relic collection. It has been disarmed and is ready for display. $225.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2438
3 Inch Type I Hotchkiss Shell

This 3 inch type I Hotchkiss shell is in very nice unfired condition. Originally manufactured without flame grooves, it was eventually retrofitted with flame grooves for Civil War use. Its lead sabot is in very good condition and this shell would have used a wood drive in fuse adaptor. An example of this shell (prior to retrofitting) can be found on page 165 in Thomas S. Dickey and Peter C. George's "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", Revised and Supplemented Edition 1993. Excavated in central Virginia, this shell has just been released from a 35 year old local collection. This artillery relic is disarmed and will make an excellent addition to any artillery or general relic collection. Approximate weight is 7.6 lbs and the length is 6 5/8 inches. $295.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC2441
2.9 Inch Caliber Read-Parrott "Case Shot"

This 2.9 inch caliber Read-Parrott "case shot" is in very good condition and has just been released from a 35 year old Charlottesville, VA collection. According to the collector this projectile was excavated in Fredericksburg, VA. It has been deactivated, cleaned and lightly clear coated so as to preserve it. The iron sabot and zinc fuse adaptor are still present and the overall condition of the iron is good showing only light pitting. This projectile will display very nicely in any office or den and will enhance any excavated general excavated relic collection. Weighs approximately 10 lbs. $250.00 Order Information or Questions?

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PC439

Confederate Split Cannonball 12 Pounder - Polygonal Cavity

This cannonball with a polygonal cavity, for a 12 pounder smoothbore 4.62 inch gun, was expertly cut in half. The shell's interior was cast with twelve polygonal shapes intended to create points of weakness for better fragmentation. More fragmentation equaled more destruction. This shell is the pentagonal (five sided) pattern measuring 4.52 inches in diameter. This design concept, attributed to Confederate Colonel John W. Mallet of Macon, GA., is believed to be influenced by segmented projectiles of British origin (Ref. Melton and Pawl, Guide To Civil War Projectiles 1994). There is a visible mold seam running along its equator. This split shell is in excellent condition and shows the well defined lines of each interior panel. It will make an excellent display piece. Ref. Dickey & George pg. 30 (interior Fig C-3 pg. 526). SOLD

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PC1882
30 Pounder Parrott Shell Nose & Zinc Fuse Adaptor

This 30 pounder Parrott shell nose fragment is still attached to its zinc fuse adaptor. Two pieces of the iron nose were found separately and have been bonded back together. The fuse adaptor is complete and was still attached to the iron when recovered. This artillery relic was recovered in the area of Petersburg, VA. and will make an impressive addition to any Civil War relic collection. SOLD

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PC2136
Fired 3 inch Hotchkiss Shell Nose and Lead Sabot

This Hotchkiss shell nose and sabot is a fantastic looking fired example. The nose is in very good condition and, while missing its base cup, it still retains the lead sabot which is securely attached. The Hotchkiss noses alone are typically readily available but finding a fired example with the sabot still attached is unusual. The sabots were typically thrown from the shell upon firing. As you will see in the additional pictures of this shell, the sabot is flared up from the bottom of the shell caused from the blast which apparently wasn't strong enough to detach it. At the top of the shell is the brass Hotchkiss percussion fuse, with its head measuring approximately 1.15 inches in diameter, it is still present though it is missing its anvil cap and other inner workings probably due to firing. These fuses were patented by B.B. Hotchkiss which was granted on February 24, 1863. This shell, with its base cup, originally weighed approximately 8 lbs. 7 oz. and was approximately 6 5/8 inches in length. This fine fired example weighs approximately 6.6 lbs. and is approximately 5 3/4 inches long. This shell is inactive and, at some point in time, it was very lightly clear coated. Recovered in the eastern Henrico area of Richmond, Va., this relic will look great in any any battlefield display in any den or office. SOLD

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PC1975
3 Inch Dyer Case Shot with Pointed Nose

This excavated 3 inch Dyer case shot is in very good condition. The iron is smooth with only very light pitting. Its sabot, a zinc alloy cup, shows four deep flame grooves is present and is slightly more pitted than the iron body. The zinc fuse adaptor is present with both spanner holes visible. It has been disarmed by having been drilled directly into the fuse adaptor. It appears that it was very lightly clear coated long ago. This particular example, with its pointed nose, is a harder to find and will make an excellent addition to any collection. $425.00 Ordering Information or Questions?

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PC1725
US Coehorn Mortar Shell for 12 Pounder

This excavated US Coehorn mortar shell for 12 pounder is in very good condition. The iron is very smooth with very mild pitting and shows a mold seam along its equator. The wood drive-in fuse hole measures 7/8 inch across and the weight of the shell is 8 lbs. This example has been cleaned, very lightly clear coated. Approximately 4.52 inches in diameter. $275.00 Ordering Information or Questions

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PC1842

Hotchkiss Shell Nose with Brass Fuse Adaptor

This brass fuse adaptor still retains the Hotchkiss shell nose and was recovered in the general area of Petersburg, Va. Blasted apart from the rest of the shell, the adaptor is in remarkably good condition with the iron nose is still securely attached. The adaptor measures approximately 1.94 inches in length and 1.16 inches in head diameter. This relic will make a an excellent display piece for any artillery collection. $155.00 Ordering Information or Questions

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