US 8 inch Shell with US Army Seacoast Defense Watercap Fuse
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Item: US 8 inch Shell
Fusing: US Army Seacoast Defense Watercap Fuse
Construction: Cast iron.
Approximate size: Weight: 49 pounds. Diameter: 7.88 inches.
Condition: Very good, excavated, with light-moderate pitting. The brass seacoast watercap fuse is present and in decent condition. The shell has been cleaned, lightly clear coated, and deactivated.
Recovered: Unknown
Comments: According to Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", "this shell is described simply as an eight inch shell because it could have been used in either a mortar or eight inch cannon. Although the fuse was made for use in mortar shells, the US Navy used them in 8 inch cannon shells on the Mississippi River such as at Port Gibson. Although this shell's provenance is unknown, the majority of shells with this type fuse have come from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee River sites." Peter George also stated that he had found one which had been fired by the US Navy at Port Gibson, Mississippi. Included in the additional images are two scans, one of page 23 from "Artillery Fuses of the Civil War" by Charles H. Jones, which pictures and describes an example of the seacoast fuse and one of page 479 from the above mentioned "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War" reference book, which shows a detailed diagram of the fuse interior contents. This shell, with its rare fuse, will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War artillery or general relic collection.
Due to the size and weight of this shell, shipping is not an option. Please contact me in advance of purchase to discuss and determine pick-up or alternative delivery options.
- Product Code:
- PC8667
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