Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War
	Civil War Artillery
	by Harry Ridgeway

Research Center: Artillery1100-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Research Center: Artillery1100-Ball6pdr Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1100-Ball6pdr.html.

Weapons used:
Smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67in. Caliber of the gun is 3.67in., round projectile diameter should measure 3.58 in. approximately, variations will be noted.

A standard weight for a solid cast iron spherical ball was set at 6 pounds, hence balls of this caliber were referred to as "6 pounder". Weight of a solid shot is 6 pounds, hollow shot will weigh less. "Common" shot was a contemporary term referring to a "standard" containing an explosive charge and no balls. "Case shot" round referred to a hollow ball containing explosive charge and case shot balls. Generally (but there are exceptions) the walls of the ball are thinner for case shot, thicker for "common" shot. A ball filled with case shot will usually weigh more than a "common" round but this relationship can vary as the number of balls actually filled in a case shot can vary, the wall thickness can vary, and weight loss due to excessive corrosion can produce misleading results. Usually the case shot ball is filled with small lead balls around .5 inch to .7 inch, but dimensions are usually uneven and sometimes other materials were used such as iron balls, bullets, iron nails or almost any other form of scrap. "Canister" shot is not a round ball at all but refers to a cylindrical "can" filled with balls. Often the term "canister" and "case shot" have been used interchangeably but the correct use of the terms refers to distinctly different types of ordnance as indicated.

The bore for the 6 pounder is supposed to measure 3.67 inches, the ball itself will measure approximately 3.58 inches, the difference is the space needed to ram a ball through the muzzle into the chamber and is referred to as "windage". A ball needed to fit very close to these measurements, otherwise it would be a disaster for the artillery battery. If a ball is too large, it will simply not fit through the bore. If a ball is small, too much energy will be lost firing it and it simply will not be effective as a weapon. If a ball is not truly round it could jam the bore and that truly is bad news for a jammed gun could easily burst on firing. There are many balls out there that are not cannon balls, these are weights, balls used to grind coal or other minerals , ornaments, gate weights, and the worst are 6 pound athletic shot-puts. So one test of a cannon ball is that the measurement has to be pretty much right. The best way to measure a ball is to use a seamstress tape measure (about $3 bucks at Wal-Mart) get a measurement of the circumference, divide by Pi (oh hell you thought you were done with high school math) and you have the diameter. I will make it easy, pi is 3.141593, so if a ball measures much more or less than 11.25 inches in circumference, it isn't going to be a cannon ball no matter how much you want it to be, so 11.25in. circumference, divided by pi, 3.141593, equals 3.58in. Results like 3.4in., 3.7in., and weights of 5.75lbs. and 6.25lbs. are all grinding balls, (euphemism for "junk") and they need to be taken to the recycling center and not sold as a cannon balls on ebay. There are millions of these grinding balls out there, the mining industry has been using them for centuries and they can be any size.


Research Center: Artillery1111-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, solid shot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in., with wood sabot. Projectile 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. There is no certain way to tell if southern manufactured or northern manufactured, both have mold seams. The solid ball could be used against troops in the field but was most effective when directed against enemy cannon or equipment. Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball. The wood sabot and straps remain on this example, the straps were fastened with square headed nails. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 6lbs. Research Center: Artillery1111-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 28. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1111-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1112-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, solid shot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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. There is no certain way to tell if southern manufactured or northern manufactured, both have mold seams. The solid ball could be used against troops in the field but was most effective when directed against enemy cannon or equipment. Originally the ball used a wood cup sabot attached to the ball with straps, on firing the straps would break releasing the ball. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 6lbs. Research Center: Artillery1112-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 28. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1112-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1115-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, solid shot, British manufacture, broad arrow, approximately 6 lbs. Ball dates to French and Indian War or American Revolution. The broad arrow is well known as a British mark. Research Center: Artillery1115-Ball6pdr, Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1115-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1121-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with "US", smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. with out balls). This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, "US" on the fuze may indicate Washington arsenal, Jones pg. 23 upper right. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1121-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1121-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1122-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. with out balls). This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls. This shell is equipped with a Federal manufactured Bormann time fuze, .75 second starting notch, double wrench slots, entire fuze was threaded, (Jones pg. 22). Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1122-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1122-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1123-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze wrench double slot, lead balls packed in sulfur matrix, iron underplug, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. with out balls). This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls. This shell is equipped with a Federal manufactured Bormann time fuze, .75 second starting notch, double wrench slots, entire fuze was threaded, (Jones pg. 22). Shell is cut exposing the interior, it is filled with lead balls packed in yellow sulfur matrix, underplug is iron. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1123-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1123-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1124-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Confederate Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. with out balls). This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls. Shell is equipped with a Confederate manufactured Bormann time fuze, .5 second starting notch, single wrench slot, threads omitted from the top of the fuze, theoretically enabling the fuze to be hand tightened, (Jones pg. 2 2 and 26. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 4 to 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1124-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1124-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1125-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, single slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 4 to 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1125-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1125-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1126-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot, lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, iron underplug, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. with out balls). This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls. This shell is equipped with a Federal manufactured Bormann time fuze, .75 second starting notch, double wrench slots, entire fuze was threaded, (Jones pg. 22). Shell is cut exposing the interior, it is filled with lead balls packed in black asphalt matrix, powder trail was drilled through the matrix and balls, underplug is iron. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs approx. Research Center: Artillery1126-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1126-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1127-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, lead balls packed in powder only without matrix, brass underplug, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. Shell is equipped with a Confederate manufactured Bormann time fuze, .5 second starting notch, single wrench slot, threads omitted from the top of the shell, theoretically enabling the fuze to be hand tightened, (Jones pg. 22 and 26). Shell is cut exposing the interior, it is filled with lead balls packed in black powder only, there is no matrix and no drilled powder trail, underplug is brass. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs. approx. Research Center: Artillery1127-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1127-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1128-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, iron underplug, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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. with out balls). This ball is "case shot", explosive charge with lead balls. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, single slot, Jones pg. 23. Shell is filled with lead balls packed in black asphalt matrix, powder trail was drilled through the matrix and balls, underplug is iron. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs approx. Research Center: Artillery1128-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1128-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1129-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Bormann time fuze, underplug exposed, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67 in. Projectile 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 fuzes 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 balls. Bormann fuze was seated on top of an underplug, it has a small hole to allow the flame to enter the chamber, (Jones pg. 22). Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 5lbs., approximate without fuze. Research Center: Artillery1129-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 29. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1129-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1141-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, polygonal cavity pentagonal pattern, wood time fuze, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67in. Projectile 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. This pattern polygonal cavity is Confederate wartime manufacture.. By segmenting the interior into polygonal forms, points of weakness would facilitate more uniform fragmentation. This pattern was cast using the five sided pentagonal shape, ( Dickey & George Fig C-3 pg. 526) . Often the core would drift off center during casting, the resultant off-center cavity would tend to negate the benefits of the segmented interior. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place. Projectile measures: diameter 3.58in., weight 4lbs. Research Center: Artillery1141-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1141-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1151-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, lead sideplug, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67in. Ball is Confederate wartime manufacture for the light smoothbore "Napoleon" cannon using the copper time fuze 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 5lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 4lbs.) 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 fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, short pattern for spherical projectiles, with flange and spanner holes, the fuze hole is recessed to seat the flange flush with the curvature of the ball, (Jones pg. 38). Projectile measures: diameter 3.6in., weight 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1151-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 32. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1151-Ball6pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1152-Ball6pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell , "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, iron side-plug, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67in. Ball is Confederate wartime manufacture for the light smoothbore "Napoleon" cannon using the copper time fuze 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 5lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 4lbs.) 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 fuze 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 an iron side-plug. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, short pattern for spherical projectiles, with flange and spanner holes, the fuze hole is recessed to seat the flange flush with the curvature of the ball, (Jones pg. 38). Projectile measures: diameter 3.6in., weight 5lbs. Research Center: Artillery1152-Ball6pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 31. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1152-Ball6pdr.html.

Smoothbore artillery projectile, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67in., fragments

A0200.11...Smoothbore artillery projectile, smoothbore 6 pounder, 3.67in., fragments. Fragment 6 pounder, is unusually thin. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia campaign, by Harry Ridgeway. Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia

This is the "Ridgeway Civil War Research Center", a research tool for educational purposes only, and is provided at no cost to the reader. Some of the relics listed are retained in the author's collection, most reside in other collections and are not owned by the author. None of the items listed in this section are for sale, please refer to relicman.com sales listings for items offered for sale. This is a work in progress, I list items as I get to them, there are many patterns that are not listed yet, this list will be regularly updated as I get pictures and descriptions for more items. I will also correct mistakes, so if you see any please tell me. All items listed are believed to be authentic to the Civil War or as otherwise described. This information is available for research purposes, pictures may be used by permission only.
All excavated artifacts have been recovered from private property with owner's permission.
All projectiles listed have been disarmed.

Most information on this page is from:
Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War, 1993 Edition. by Thomas S. Dickey and Peter C. George.
Civil War Heavy Explosive Ordnance, A Guide to Large Artillery Prjectiles, Torpedoes, and Mines, by Jack Bell.
Artillery Fuses of the Civil War, by Charles H. Jones.
Pictures are by the author, unless otherwise indicated.

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