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The Civil War Relicman,
Harry Ridgeway

Winchester, Virginia USA (changed hands 70 times in the Civil War!)
I am a collector buying and selling authentic Civil War Relics

This page updated   June 05, 2008


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

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

This information is available for research purposes, pictures may be used by permission only.

All items listed are believed to be authentic to the Civil War or as otherwise described.   

All artillery items listed  have been disarmed and rendered inert. 

Any excavated relics have been recovered from private property with owners permission.    


Hotchkiss pointed nose bolt, 2.6 in.  


A1224     Hotchkiss Bolt, 1860 prototype, Wiard 6 pounder rifle, 2.6 in. 
A1224.jpg (21293 bytes) A1224B.jpg (21484 bytes) A1224.jpg (21293 bytes)
Flat base was prototype pattern, nose is pointed. This one blew the sabot, but held the base. The nose was partially knocked off the base, but is frozen in place as found, it is a rare shell. Others have been found at Fredericksburg Va 
Recovered: West Point NY test firing range 
Diameter 2.54 inch, length 5.5 inch approx 
Ref: D & G pg. 158 (pointed nose) 


A1610     Hotchkiss Bolt, 1860 prototype, Wiard 6 pounder rifle, 2.6 in.
A1610.jpg (12741 bytes) A1610B.jpg (11690 bytes) A1610.jpg (12741 bytes)
Flat base was prototype pattern, nose is pointed. This is nose only, rare shell 
Metal quality is excellent. 
Recovered: Fredericksburg Va 
Diameter 2.54 inch, 
Ref: D & G pg.158 (pointed nose)


Hotchkiss rounded nose bolt, 2.6 in.:  


A1823    Hotchkiss Bolt, 1860 prototype Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in.
A1823.jpg (19154 bytes) A1823B.jpg (20244 bytes) A1823C.jpg (22566 bytes) A1823.jpg (19154 bytes)
Flat base was prototype pattern, nose is rounded. Sabot intact showing 8 lands and grooves, metal quality excellent. 
Recovered: West Point test range 
Diameter 2.4 inch, length 5.25 in. 
Ref: D & G pg. 158 (variant short base and rounded nose) 


Hotchkiss shell, no flame grooves, wood time fuse, 2.6 in.  


A1612      Hotchkiss shell, no flame grooves, wood fuse, Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in. 
A1612.jpg (13485 bytes) A1612B.jpg (13745 bytes) A1612C.jpg (21507 bytes) A1612.jpg (13485 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this pattern was used against opposing cannon but was obviously very light, not very practical, and quite scarce. Flame grooves are absent on this pattern. 
Cast for a wood fuse. 
Nose section with fired sabot intact! Rare to get this with a sabot. Fuse missing. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.5 in., length 6.0 in. 
Ref: D & G pg. 161 (wood fuse)


Hotchkiss shell, no flame grooves, iron anvil percussion fuse, 2.6 in.  


A0045    Hotchkiss shell, no flame grooves, iron percussion fuse, Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in.
A0045.jpg (15007 bytes) A0045B.jpg (15741 bytes) A0045C.jpg (14663 bytes) A0045D.jpg (19951 bytes) A0045.jpg (15007 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this pattern was used against opposing cannon but was obviously very light, not very practical, and quite scarce. Flame grooves are absent on this pattern. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855".  
Iron Hotchkiss percussion fuse, "West Point style" which means anvil and slider operated independently (Jones pg. 92) 
Iron anvil percussion fuse intact, fired sabot shows 8 lands and grooves, metal strong light pitting, Hotchkiss patent date stamped into the base is partly visible. 
Recovered: Culpeper Va by John Eden 
Diameter 2.5 inch, length 6.0 inch
Ref: D & G pg. 161 (iron fuse)


Hotchkiss shell, with flame grooves, wood time fuse, 2.6 in.  


A1611    Hotchkiss shell, with flame grooves, wood fuse, Wiard 6 pounder gun, 2.6 in.
A1611.jpg (15745 bytes) A1611B.jpg (15739 bytes) A1611C.jpg (16649 bytes) A1611D.jpg (19411 bytes) A1611.jpg (15745 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, flame grooves were cut into the side to allow flames to pass to ignite the fuse. 
Cast for wood time fuse. 
Fuse missing, lead sabot intact, good metal minor pitting. 
Recovered: Shiloh 
Diameter 2.5 inch, length 5.5 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 160


Hotchkiss bolt, 3 in.  


A0046    Hotchkiss bolt, no flame grooves, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
A0046.jpg (12383 bytes) A0046B.jpg (12791 bytes) A0046C.jpg (12184 bytes) A0046D.jpg (22889 bytes) A0046.jpg (12383 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this pattern was intended to be used against opposing cannon, but offered no advantage versus the percussion fused shells, so very few of them used and it is a rare pattern. 
Nondug example, sabot intact, outstanding metal. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 2.85 inch, length 7.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.163 


Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, no flame grooves, zinc time fuse, 3 in.  


A1830    Hotchkiss case shot shell, no flame grooves, zinc time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
A1830.jpg (17053 bytes) A1830B.jpg (17315 bytes) A1830C.jpg (15034 bytes) A1830D.jpg (19099 bytes) A1830.jpg (17053 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, this early pattern had rounded nose intended for case shot, many failed to detonate because flame could not reach the fuse, many show cracks or breaks around the nose because the cavity is thin at the top, this design was unsuccessful and production abandoned early in the conflict. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86).  
Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" 
Lead fuse intact, fired sabot intact showing 7 lands & grooves, outstanding example strong metal light pitting. 
Recovered: Chancellorsville, Va 
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.75 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 164 


A1625     Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame grooves, lead time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
A1625.jpg (14652 bytes)  A1625B.jpg (19475 bytes) A1625.jpg (14652 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry case shot balls, this is variant from the "common" rounds that have pointed noses and is infrequently seen configured this way. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86) 
Lead time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact metal quality good, light pitting Half shell cut exposes the interior, and this scarce fuse! Balls are iron! 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (lead time fuse "case" shot)


Hotchkiss "common" shell, no flame grooves, percussion fuse, 3 in.  


A1615     Hotchkiss "common" shot shell, no flame grooves, percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A1615.jpg (12022 bytes) A1615B.jpg (14100 bytes) A1615C.jpg (15221 bytes) A1615D.jpg (18841 bytes) A1615.jpg (12022 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, no flame groove. Shell generally employed a percussion fuse and is "common" shot, not filled with 
balls.
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse. (Jones pg. 94)
Percussion fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal solid with minor pitting.
Recovered: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Diameter 2.94 in., length 6.5 in., weight 8 lbs.
Ref:  D & G pg. 166           replace this with A2060


A2060 Hotchkiss "common shot " shell, no flame grooves,
percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, no flame groove. Shell 
generally employed a percussion fuse and is "common" shot, not filled with 
balls.
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse. (Jones pg. 94)
Percussion fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal 
solid, light to moderate pitting.
Recovered: Port Hudson, Louisiana
Diameter 2.94 in., length 6.25 in. (fired), weight 8 lbs.
Ref:  D & G pg. 166 


A2065     Hotchkiss "common shot " shell, no flame grooves, percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.    
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, no flame groove. Shell generally employed a percussion fuse and is "common" shot, not filled with balls.  
Nose section shows bottom casting plug.  
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse. (Jones pg. 94)  
Percussion fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves and is distorted by the violence of firing, top and bottom are separated, but were found together, metal solid, light to moderate pitting.  
Recovered: Port Hudson, Louisiana  
Diameter 2.94 in., nose section only, 5.25 in, excluding fuse, weight 5 lbs., bottom and sabot weight 4 lbs., weight overall 9 lbs.  
Ref:  D & G pg. 166               To Do Post to Archive


A2066     Hotchkiss "common shot " shell, no flame grooves, percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.    
Hotchkiss three part shell, no flame groove, "common" shot.  Nose section only, bottom is plugged.  The shell was cast with an open hole in the base, through which a rod was placed to hold the core during casting.  After casting the rod was removed, the rod was removed and replaced with a drive in plug, this while the casting was still hot.  On cooling the hole would shrink thus securing the bottom plug, which is only visible when the nose section is separated from the base.  
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse. (Jones pg. 94)  
Percussion fuse intact, fired sabot intact showing 7 lands & grooves, base is missing, bottom plug is clearly visible, metal solid, light to moderate pitting.
Recovered: Port Hudson, Louisiana  
Diameter 2.94 in., length 6.25 in. (fired), weight 7 lbs. (nose and sabot)
Ref:  D & G pg. 166                To Do Post to Archive


A2233     Hotchkiss "common shot " shell, no flame grooves, percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.    
Hotchkiss three part shell, no flame grooves, pointed nose for "common" shot. Nose section only, bottom is plugged.  The shell was cast with an open hole
in the base, through which a rod was placed to hold the core during casting.  After casting the rod was removed, the rod was removed and replaced with a drive in plug, this while the casting was still hot.  On cooling the hole would shrink thus securing the bottom plug, which is only visible when the nose section is separated from the base.  The plug base was sometimes a point of weakness, it appears that the energy from detonation blew blew the fuse out one end and the plug out the other but did not have enough force to break up the shell.  
Recovered: Champion Hill, Tennessee  
Diameter 2.94 in.,  
Ref:  D & G pg. 166 (nose only with blown out plug and fuse)    


Hotchkiss "common" shell, flame grooves, wood time fuse, 3 in.  


A1831    Hotchkiss "common" shot shell, with flame grooves, wood time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A1831.jpg (19561 bytes) A1831B.jpg (18848 bytes) A1831C.jpg (16067 bytes) A1831D.jpg (23865 bytes) A1831.jpg (19561 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. Most rounds are "common" rounds, meaning they do not contain case shot balls. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" 
Cast for wood fuse, unusual variant 
Wood time fuse missing, fired sabot intact shows 7 lands & grooves, metal quality excellent, minor pitting only, rare variant. Hotchkiss patent date is partly readable. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 6.5 inch (sabot compressed from firing) 
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (wood fuse "common" shot) 


Hotchkiss "common" shell, flame grooves, brass time fuse, 3 in.  


A0050    Hotchkiss "common" shot shell, with flame grooves, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A0050.jpg (18149 bytes) A0050B.jpg (17345 bytes) A0050C.jpg (16188 bytes) A0050D.jpg (21499 bytes) A0050.jpg (18149 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. Most rounds are "common" rounds, meaning they do not contain case shot balls. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855".  
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87). 
Time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact, metal quality excellent, Hotchkiss patent date is partly readable. 
Found by Harry Ridgeway Cedar Creek trenches 
Diameter 2.9 in., length 7 in. (unfired excluding fuse), weight 9 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 167 (brass time fuse, "common" shot)


A2235     Hotchkiss "common shot" shell, with flame grooves, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  Most rounds are "common" rounds, meaning they do not contain case shot balls.  
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange. (Jones pg. 87).  
Time fuse intact, fired sabot intact showing 7 lands & grooves, metal solid with moderate pitting.  
Recovered: Virginia 1865 campaign  
Diameter 2.9 in., length 6.5 in. (fired excluding fuse), weight 9 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 167 (brass fuse "common" shot)          To Do Post to Archive


A2223     Hotchkiss "common shot" shell, with flame grooves, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
Hotchkiss three part shell, 3 flame grooves, pointed nose for "common" shot. Nose section only, bottom is plugged.  The shell was cast with an open hole in the base, through which a rod was placed to hold the core during casting.  After casting the rod was removed, the rod was removed and replaced with a drive in plug, this while the casting was still hot.  On cooling the hole would shrink thus securing the bottom plug, which is only visible when the nose section is separated from the base.  
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange. (Jones pg. 87).  
Time fuse intact, nose only, base plug is clearly visible.  
Recovered: north Georgia campaign.  
Diameter 2.9 in., nose section only 5.25 in. weight 5 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 167 (brass fuse, "common" shot, base plug)                 To Do Post to Archive


A2226     Hotchkiss "common shot" shell, with flame grooves, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.  Most rounds are "common" rounds, meaning they do not contain case shot balls.  
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange. (Jones pg. 87).  
Time fuse intact, sabot missing, metal solid with light rust as found.  
Recovered:  north Georgia campaign  
Diameter 2.9 in., length 6.5 in. (compressed due to firing), weight 8 lbs.(no sabot)
Ref: D & G pg. 167 (brass fuse "common" shot)                 To Do Post to Archive


Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, flame grooves, brass time fuse, 3 in.  


A2103 Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame 
grooves, brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added 
so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. 
This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry 
case shot balls, this is variant from the "common" rounds that have 
pointed noses and is infrequently seen configured this way.
Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855"
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87)
Brass time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact, 
metal solid with light pitting only, superb example.
Recovered: Allatoona Pass, Georgia
Diameter 2.9 in., length 7 in.(unfired), 9 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (brass time fuse "case" shot)

A2241     Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame grooves, brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.   This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry case shot balls, this is a development from the "common" rounds that have pointed noses.   Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855".
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange. (Jones pg. 87)  
Brass time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact, metal smooth with minor pitting only, superb example.  
Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia 1865 campaign  
Diameter 2.9 in., length 7 in.(unfired), 9 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (brass time fuse "case" shot)         To Do Post to Archive   

Use best pic A2103 or A2241  (unfired sabot) 


A1815    Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame grooves, brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A1815.jpg (20190 bytes) A1815B.jpg (19397 bytes) A1815C.jpg (14926 bytes) A1815D.jpg (21113 bytes) A1815.jpg (20190 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse.   This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry case shot balls, this is variant from the "common" rounds that have pointed noses.
Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855"
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange. (Jones pg. 87)
Brass time fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal solid, light pitting.
Recovered: not known
Diameter 2.9 in., length 6.5 in. (fired sabot), weight 9 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (brass time fuse "case" shot)      


A2068     Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, with flame grooves, brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 

Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves added so that flame from firing would pass through the sabot and ignite the fuse. 
This pattern, with rounded shoulder, and time fuse, is intended to carry case shot balls, this is variant from the "common" rounds that have pointed noses.  
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange. (Jones pg. 87)  
Brass time fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal quality strong, moderate pitting.  Shell has been cut exposing the interior with lead case shot balls.
Recovered: Port Hudson, Louisiana  
Diameter 2.9 in., length 6.5 in. (fired sabot), weight 9 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 167, (brass time fuse "case" shot) cut shell  


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

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


Hotchkiss "case shot" flat top shell, flame grooves, brass time fuse, 3 in.  


A0299    Hotchkiss flat top case shot shell, Hotchkiss brass time fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A0299.jpg (17068 bytes) A0299B.jpg (17946 bytes) A0299C.jpg (15079 bytes) A0299D.jpg (17741 bytes) A0299.jpg (17068 bytes)
This flat top design was late war development, Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, 3 flame grooves to ignite the fuse. 
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Fuse intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal solid with moderate pitting. 
Recovered: Spanish Fort Alabama 
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 168


Hotchkiss "case shot" flat top shell, flame grooves, Wright 14 second combination fuse, 3 in.  


A0054    Hotchkiss flat top shell, Wright 14 second time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A0054.jpg (15448 bytes) A0054B.jpg (15452 bytes) A0054C.jpg (20461 bytes) A0054D.jpg (18791 bytes) A0054.jpg (15448 bytes)
This was the next development of the Hotchkiss, this long range 14 second time fuse would significantly increase the range of fire, base is relatively flatter than the earlier patterns. 
Wright time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse in combination (Jones pg. 96) 
Nondug example, inspector mark "JHS" on sabot. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 6.8 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 170 


A1819     Hotchkiss flat top shell, Wright 14 second time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse, Ordnance rifle, 3 in. 
A1819.jpg (17818 bytes) A1819B.jpg (13264 bytes) A1819C.jpg (38070 bytes) A1819D.jpg (41863 bytes) A1819E.jpg (25772 bytes)  A1819.jpg (17818 bytes)
This was the next development of the Hotchkiss, this long range 14 second time fuse would significantly increase the range of fire, base is relatively flatter than the earlier patterns. Wright time fuse, Hotchkiss percussion fuse in combination (Jones pg. 96) 
Nondug example, inspector mark "TB" on sabot. 
Recovered: surplus stocks 
Diameter 2.9 inch, length 6.8 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 170


Hotchkiss "common" shell,  no flame grooves, percussion fuse, 3.5 in.  


A1832    Hotchkiss pointed nose "common " shell, with flame groove, brass percussion fuse, Blakely 12 Pounder rifle, 3.5 in. 
A1832.jpg (15964 bytes) A1832B.jpg (14790 bytes) A1832C.jpg (13407 bytes) A1832D.jpg (11913 bytes) A1832.jpg (15964 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, armed with a percussion fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) intended to be used against opposing cannon. 
Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse (Jones pg. 94) 
Hotchkiss percussion fuse fully intact, fired sabot shows 7 lands & grooves, metal is outstanding. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 3.4 inch, length 6.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.174 (3.5in) 


Hotchkiss bolt,  3.67 in.  


A1834    Hotchkiss pointed nose bolt, Rifled 6 pounder smoothbore, 3.67 in. 
A1834.jpg (17222 bytes) A1834B.jpg (17518 bytes) A1834C.jpg (22492 bytes) A1834.jpg (17222 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Fired sabot shows impression from linen and 7 lands & grooves, metal excellent, bottom stamping is visible. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.6 inch, length 6.5 inch fired, 7 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 171 (3.67 in) 


Hotchkiss shell, no flame grooves, iron anvil fuse,  3.67 in.  


A1634    Hotchkiss pointed nose shell, iron anvil fuse, Rifled 6 pounder smoothbore, 3.67 in.
A1634.jpg (18233 bytes) A1634B.jpg (19417 bytes) A1634C.jpg (15140 bytes) A1634D.jpg (18024 bytes) A1634.jpg (18233 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, armed with a percussion fuse shell is a "common" round (no balls) intended to be used against opposing cannon. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Iron Hotchkiss percussion fuse, "West Point style" which means anvil and slider operated independently (Jones pg. 92) 
Iron anvil fuse intact, fired sabot shows faint signs of 15 lands and grooves from a James rifle, this is 3.67 caliber so it was fired from the wrong gun which is why it barely took the rifling! Metal outstanding, patent date is fully readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.6 inch, length 6.75 inch fired, 7.25 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 174 (3.67 in)


Hotchkiss bolt,  3.8 in.  


A1631    Hotchkiss pointed nose bolt, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in.
A1631.jpg (19697 bytes) A1631B.jpg (20070 bytes) A1631C.jpg (30668 bytes) A1631.jpg (19697 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855" 
Fired sabot shows 15 lands & grooves, metal excellent, minor pitting 
Recovered: Monet Ferry, LA 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7inch fired, 7.5 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 171 (3.8 in)


Hotchkiss shell, no flame grooves, iron anvil fuse,  3.8 in.  


A1833    Hotchkiss pointed nose shell, iron anvil fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 
A1833.jpg (19336 bytes) A1833B.jpg (20429 bytes) A1833C.jpg (14692 bytes) A1833D.jpg (27090 bytes) A1833.jpg (19336 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, armed with a percussion fuse shell is a "common" round (no balls) intended to be used against opposing cannon. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Iron Hotchkiss percussion fuse, "West Point style" which means anvil and slider operated independently (Jones pg. 92) 
Iron anvil fuse intact, fired sabot shows faint signs of 15 lands and grooves which means the bore of the gun was either worn out or gummed up. 
Metal strong, patent date is not readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 6.75 inch fired, 7.25 inch unfired 
Ref: D & G pg. 174 (3.8 in) 


Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, no flame grooves, white metal fuse,  3.8 in.  


A1835    Hotchkiss rounded nose case shot shell, no flame groove, lead time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 
A1835.jpg (19718 bytes) A1835B.jpg (20976 bytes) A1835C.jpg (16291 bytes) A1835D.jpg (22251 bytes) A1835.jpg (19718 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is rounded, armed with a time fuse, shell is a "case shot" with round balls. 
Hotchkiss lead or zinc time fuse, early pattern without flange (Jones pg. 86) 
Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Hotchkiss time fuse is partial, fired sabot is missing, patent date is fully readable, metal strong, light pitting, rare shell. 
Recovered Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.177 (3.8 in) 


Hotchkiss "common" shell, flame grooves, brass time fuse,  3.8 in.  


A1637    Hotchkiss pointed nose "common " shell, with flame groove, brass time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 
A1637.jpg (17299 bytes) A1637B.jpg (19109 bytes) A1637C.jpg (15219 bytes) A1637D.jpg (17507 bytes) A1637.jpg (17299 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, even though armed with a time fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" 
Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Hotchkiss time fuse fully intact, fired sabot shows 15 lands & grooves, metal is very strong bottom marking is partly readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7 inch 
Ref: D & G pg.178 (3.8in) 


Hotchkiss "case shot" shell, flame grooves, brass time fuse,  3.8 in.  


A0057    Hotchkiss rounded nose "case shot" shell, with flame groove, brass time fuse, James 14 pounder rifle, 3.8 in. 
A0057.jpg (17510 bytes) A0057B.jpg (17284 bytes) A0057C.jpg (14639 bytes) A0057D.jpg (15567 bytes) A0057.jpg (17510 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is rounded, armed with a time fuse, shell is a "case shot" with balls. Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" Hotchkiss brass time fuse, with slots and a flange (Jones pg. 87) 
Brass Hotchkiss time fuse intact, fired sabot shows rifling, but was fired from a bore either worn down or gummed, the shell did not take the rifling. Metal quality is high, minor pitting, base marks are readable. 
Recovered: Vicksburg 
Diameter 3.7 inch, length 7 inch Weighs 15 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 179 (3.8in) 


Hotchkiss shell, detachable nose,  3.8 in.  


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


Hotchkiss shell, percussion fuse,  4.2 in.  


A1641    Hotchkiss shell, no flame groove, percussion fuse, Parrott 30 pounder rifle, 4.2 in. 
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Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, when armed with a percussion fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) Bottom is stamped: "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861" Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse (Jones pg. 94) 
Nice example unfired sabot, percussion fuse is intact slider and cap are removable, clear stamping on base, metal strong light pitting. 
Recovered: Vicksburg Mississippi 
Diameter 4.1in, length 10in 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 242 (percussion fuse) 


A1642     Hotchkiss shell, no flame groove, wood time fuse, Parrott 30 pounder rifle, 4.2 in. 
A1642.jpg (14924 bytes) A1642B.jpg (12502 bytes) A1642C.jpg (24318 bytes) A1642.jpg (14924 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is pointed, even though armed with a time fuse, shell is a "common" round (no balls) 
Cast for a wood fuse.
Nose only, shows base casting plug, nice example clean metal 
Recovered: Vicksburg Mississippi 
Diameter 4.1in. 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 242 (wood fuse)  


Hotchkiss bolt,  4.5 in.  


A1643     Hotchkiss bolt, with flame grooves, Siege rifle, 4.5 in. 
A1643.jpg (17573 bytes) A1643B.jpg (16881 bytes) A1643C.jpg (27351 bytes) A1643.jpg (17573 bytes)
Hotchkiss three part shell, lead band in the middle, nose is rounded, This is test round, really no need for the flame groove Nose with fired sabot is fully intact showing 9 lands & grooves, solid metal, light rust. 
Recovered: West Point test range Diameter 4.4 inch 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 245  


Hotchkiss white metal time fuse


A1954    Hotchkiss lead time fuse 
A1954.jpg (17556 bytes) A1954B.jpg (19258 bytes) A1954.jpg (17556 bytes)
Lead time fuse was used early in the war, no flanges, spanner holes. Fuse used in early patterns of Hotchkiss
Fired fuse was used in a case shot shell, notice the impressions of the case shot balls on firing.
Length 2.3 in., Diameter 1 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 87 upper right  


A2268     Hotchkiss lead time fuse   
Lead time fuse was used early in the war, no flanges, spanner holes. Fuse used in early patterns of Hotchkiss  
Fired fuse was used in a case shot shell, notice the impressions of the case shot balls on firing.  
Recovered: Antietam Maryland campaign  
Length 2.3 in., Diameter 1 in.   
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 87 upper right               To Do Post to Archive replace A1954


Hotchkiss brass time fuse


A1955    Hotchkiss time fuse adaptor
A1955.jpg (14493 bytes) A1955.jpg (14493 bytes)
Brass time fuse, slots for easy application, many variations in size. Fuse generally intended for smaller caliber Hotchkiss shells. This longer fuse may have been intended for case shot.
Threads clean, good display or can be used.
Length 2.45 in., Diameter 1 in., Flange diameter 1.2 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 87 & 88


A2133 Hotchkiss time fuse adaptor
These brass time fuse adaptors were introduced along with the
 Hotchkiss shells with flame grooves.  Top is fitted with slots
Threads clean, good display or can be used.
Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign 
Length 2.45 in., Diameter 1.04 in. flange diameter 1.125 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 87 & 88    


Hotchkiss brass percussion fuse


A1962    Hotchkiss "standard" percussion fuse 
A1962.jpg (14622 bytes) A1962B.jpg (19556 bytes) A1962.jpg (14622 bytes)
Inside a slider was positioned with a percussion cap, intended to slam into the cap screwed into the top. Screwdriver slot for fastening. Fuse is marked :HOTCHKISS / SEPTEMBER 17, 1862 / (another date not readable) PATENTED" Fuse generally intended for small caliber Hotchkiss.
Nondug fuse, threads clean, good display or can be used, iron plug intact on the bottom.
Length 2.3 in., Diameter 1 in. flange diameter 1.2 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 93 


A2132 Hotchkiss "standard" percussion fuse
Inside a slider was positioned with a percussion cap, intended to
slam into the cap screwed into the top. Screwdriver slot for fastening.  
Fuse generally intended for small caliber Hotchkiss.
Threads clean, good display or can be used.
Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign 
Length 2.3 in., Diameter 1 in. flange diameter 1.2 in.
Ref: Jones Fuses pg. 93 


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