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

Research Center: Artillery1200-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Research Center: Artillery1200-Ball12pdr Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1200-Ball12pdr.html.

Weapons used:
Smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Caliber of the gun is 4.62in., round projectile diameter should measure 4.52 in. approximately, variations will be noted.
Coehorn mortar 12 pounder, 4.62in. Caliber of the gun is 4.62in., round projectile diameter should measure 4.52 in. approximately, variations will be noted.

A standard weight for a solid cast iron spherical ball was set at 12 pounds, hence balls of this caliber were referred to as "12 pounder". Weight of a solid shot is 12 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 12 pounder is supposed to measure 4.62in., the ball itself will measure approximately 4.52in., 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 blow up 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 12 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 14.2 inches in circumference, it isn't going to be a cannon ball no matter how much you want it to be, so 14.2in. circumference, divided by pi 3.141593, equals 4.52in. Results like 4.4in, 4.7in, and weights of 11.75lbs. and 12.25lbs. are all grinding balls, (euphemism for "junk") and they need to be taken to the recycling center and not sold as a cannon ball 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: Artillery1211-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, solid shot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., with sabot Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon", solid shot were generally fired against enemy cannon. Both sides cast solid 12 pounders, there is no sure way to tell which side manufactured it, both have mold seams. 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 4.52 in., weight 12lbs. Research Center: Artillery1211-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 34. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1211-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1212-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, solid shot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon", solid shot were generally fired against enemy cannon. Both sides cast solid 12 pounders, there is no sure way to tell which side manufactured it, both have mold seams. 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 4.52 in., weight 12lbs. Research Center: Artillery1212-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 34. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1212-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1221-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot and "US", smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. 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 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs. Research Center: Artillery1221-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1221-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1222-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot and "US", smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. 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 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1222-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1222-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1223-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 1lbs. with balls), or as "common" (approx 6 to 8lbs. without balls). This ball is "common" or standard round, explosive charge only without balls. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs. Research Center: Artillery1223-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1223-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1224-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot, iron underplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 was "common" or standard round, explosive charge only without balls, iron underplug, thick sides. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs.. Research Center: Artillery1224-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1224-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1225-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot, lead balls packed with sulfur matrix, iron under plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1225-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1225-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1226-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot, lead balls packed with asphalt matrix, iron under plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 black or asphalt matrix, with iron underplug. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1226-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1226-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1227-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, lead balls packed in powder without matrix, brass under plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 powder, it appears that the balls were packed tight and entirely in powder without matrix, with brass underplug. The lead balls seem to be over packed and placed too close to the fuze hole, it appears that between the tight pack and potential ball movement during transportation and firing, there may have been a tendency for the fuze hole to become blocked, this likely was a major cause of failure, it may not have been the fuze that failed, there may not have been enough space for the powder to burn and detonate! Fuze employed was a Confederate Bormann time fuze, 1/2 second starting time, single slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1227-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1227-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1228-Ball12pdr

SSmoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, single slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs. Research Center: Artillery1228-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1228-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1229-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, single slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 10lbs. Research Center: Artillery1229-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1229-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1230-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench double slot and single depressed star, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot and single depressed star on right side, Jones pg. 22, lower left. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1230-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1230-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1231-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot and single depressed star, lead balls packed with sulfur matrix, iron under plug,smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. A punch was used to force a cavity for the powder chamber, the chamber is irregular, later models employed an auger to obtain a cleaner cut. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, single slot and single depressed star on right side, Jones pg. 22, lower left. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1231-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1231-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1232-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot and two stars, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 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. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1232-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1232-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1233-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common", Federal Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot and two stars, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 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. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs. Research Center: Artillery1233-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1233-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1234-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Federal Bormann "Braille"time fuze with wrench double slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, "Braille" dots substituted for the numbers so the gunner could feel the gradations in poor visibility conditions, Jones pg. 24, middle. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs. Research Center: Artillery1234-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1234-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1235-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Confederate Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot and hand tightening lip, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Fuze employed was a Confederate Bormann time fuze, .5 second starting time, single slot, top of of fuze was not threaded an idea (that didn't work) to allow it to be hand tightened without a tool, Jones pg. 26. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 6 to 8lbs. Research Center: Artillery1235-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1235-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1236-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 balls. Fuze employed was a Confederate Bormann time fuze, .5 second starting time, single slot , Jones pg. 26. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1236-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1236-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1237-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, lead balls packed with asphalt matrix, brass under plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 black or asphalt matrix, with brass underplug. Fuze employed was a Confederate Bormann time fuze, .5 second starting time, single slot for tool, Jones pg. 26. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1237-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1237-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1238-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, " case shot", Confederate Bormann time fuze with wrench single slot, lead balls packed with sulfur matrix, brass under plug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 brass underplug. Fuze employed was a Confederate Bormann time fuze, .5 second starting time, single slot for tool, Jones pg. 2 6. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1238-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1238-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1239-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, " case shot", Confederate Bormann time fuze, three ringed bullets packed with sawdust, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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 three ringer bullets packed in sawdust. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 10 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1239-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1239-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1240-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, Bormann fuze disabled, Confederate drilled, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon". Many of the Confederate manufactured Bormann time fuzes were noted as failing, this was thought to have been caused by clogging or melting of the burn channel. To remedy some of the Bormann fuzes were removed altogether and holes drilled through the brass underplug to open up the fuze to enable it to burn better. It is speculated that this may have opened up the fuze too much, and the idea seems to have seen very limited use. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1240-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 40. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1240-Ball12pdr.html.

Research Center: Artillery1248-Ball12pdr

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, Bormann time fuze, underplug exposed, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Bormann time fuze 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. Some of these shells were configured as case shot (approx 9 to 11lbs. with balls), or as "common" (approx 6 to 8lbs. without balls). Shell was threaded for a Bormann time fuze, which is missing, exposing underplug. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1248-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1248-Ball12pdr.html.

Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, Bormann time fuzed, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments

A0200.02...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, Bormann time fuzed, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Fragments of Bormann fuzed balls can be distinguished by the large threaded hole for the fuze and a smaller threaded hole for the underplug. Thickness of the casing and underplug varies considerably. Generally the thicker casings are for "common" shell, thinner for "case shot", however this does not seem to have been followed closely. Brass underplug generally is Confederate and iron for Federal. It is probably not possible to tell Union versus Confederate from the frags, once the underplugs and fuzes are separated. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia 1863 and 1864 campaign, by Harry Ridgeway. Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia

A0200.05...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments These 12 pounder fragments can be either Confederateor Federal. Thickness varies, thicker fragments usually come from "common" shells, thinner from "case shot". Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia 1863 or 1864 campaign, by Harry Ridgeway. Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia

A200.07...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, Bormann time fuzed, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments This fragment from 12 pounder shows threaded fuze, diameter is for a Bormann fuze. However there is no recessed smaller hole for an underplug. Perhaps this is a Confederate variant, shell made without an underplug. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia campaign, by Harry Ridgeway. Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia

Research Center: Artillery1200-Ball12pdr

More smoothbore 12 pounder, PAGE 2. Research Center: Artillery1200-Ball12pdr Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1202-Ball12pdr-PAGE2.html.

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.

Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War. Artillery Research center, artillery, click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery0000-Index.html. Research center, artillery, click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery0000-Index.html.

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