A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War
by Harry Ridgeway
|
Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War |
| Civil War Artillery | |
by Harry Ridgeway |
| More smoothbore 12 pounder, PAGE 2. Research Center: Artillery1200-Ball12pdr     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1202-Ball12pdr-PAGE2.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuze with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. However by the beginning of the Civil War this small Coehorn mortar had largely been replaced by the newer 24 pounder Coehorn. All of the arsenals would have been abundantly stocked with them, and southerners made good use of them in the 12 pounder howitzers, referred to as the "Napoleon". Those with larger opening, 1.125in. may have been intended for the longer range Napoleons, however it appears that the size distinction of the opening was of little concern and both sizes were manufactured and extensively used through out the war, principal use was southern. There are also thickness differences in the casting, and this many have been designed for "case shot" versus "common", however these shells are seldom found packed with case shot, so the presumption is that the use was "common", standard bursting charge without case shot balls, regardless of thickness of the casting. Perhaps southerners felt they could not spare the balls. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 8lbs., empty approximately. Research Center: Artillery1251-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1251-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuze with 1.125in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in., with wood sabot. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. Those with larger opening, 1.125in. may have been intended for the longer range Napoleons, however it appears that the size distinction of the opening was of little concern and both sizes were manufactured and extensively used through out the war, principal use was southern. There are also thickness differences in the casting, and this many have been designed for "case shot" versus "common", however these shells are seldom found packed with case shot, so the presumption is that the use was "common", standard bursting charge without case shot balls, regardless of thickness of the casting. Perhaps southerners felt they could not spare the balls. The balls used in the Napoleons would have started out with a wood sabot and straps, the wood sabot was designed to position the ball in the bore with a flat surface to propel it, then the straps would break and the ball would fly freely. Few are recovered with the sabot, all fired examples would have been seperated from the sabot on firing, and the wood generally will not survive the environment for 100+ years. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 8lbs., empty approximately. Research Center: Artillery1252-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1252-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), wood time fuze with 1.125in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. Those with larger opening, 1.125in. may have been intended for the longer range Napoleons, however it appears that the size distinction of the opening was of little concern and both sizes were manufactured and extensively used through out the war, principal use was southern. There are also thickness differences in the casting, and this many have been designed for "case shot" versus "common", however these shells are seldom found packed with case shot, so the presumption is that the use was "common", standard bursting charge without case shot balls, regardless of thickness of the casting. Perhaps southerners felt they could not spare the balls. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 8lbs., empty approximately. Research Center: Artillery1253-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.  Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1253-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", iron balls packed in powder without matrix, wood time fuze with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. However by the beginning of the Civil War this small Coehorn mortar had largely been replaced by the newer 24 pounder Coehorn. All of the arsenals would have been abundantly stocked with them, and southerners made good use of them in the 12 pounder howitzers, referred to as the "Napoleon". It is believed that this pattern is Confederate wartime manufacture. It was packed with iron balls loosely packed in powder, matrix was not used. In addition the wide area around the fuze hole is recessed inside, this is an unusual feater, most designs are flat. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9 to 11lbs. Research Center: Artillery1254-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1254-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), polygonal cavity pentagonal pattern, wood time fuze with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. However by the beginning of the Civil War this small Coehorn mortar had largely been replaced by the newer 24 pounder Coehorn. All of the arsenals would have been abundantly stocked with them, and southerners made good use of them in the 12 pounder howitzers, referred to as the "Napoleon". Those with larger opening, 1.125in. may have been intended for the longer range Napoleons, however it appears that the size distinction of the opening was of little concern and both sizes were manufactured and extensively used through out the war, principal use was southern. This pattern is Confederate manufacture during the war. Instead of the usual round bursting chamber the interior was segmented into polygonal forms, points of weakness would be created to 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. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7lbs (empty). Research Center: Artillery1255-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1255-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), polygonal cavity diamond pattern, wood time fuze with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. However by the beginning of the Civil War this small Coehorn mortar had largely been replaced by the newer 24 pounder Coehorn. All of the arsenals would have been abundantly stocked with them, and southerners made good use of them in the 12 pounder howitzers, referred to as the "Napoleon". Those with larger opening, 1.125in. may have been intended for the longer range Napoleons, however it appears that the size distinction of the opening was of little concern and both sizes were manufactured and extensively used through out the war, principal use was southern. This pattern is Confederate manufacture during the war. Instead of the usual round bursting chamber the interior was segmented into polygonal forms, points of weakness would be created to facilitate more uniform fragmentation. This pattern was cast using the four sided diamond shape, Dickey & George Fig C-4 pg. 527. Often the core would drift off center during casting, the resultant off-center cavity would tend to negate the benefits of the segmented interior. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 9lbs (empty). Research Center: Artillery1256-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1256-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), polygonal cavity trapezoid pattern, wood time fuze with .875in. opening, 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place, Jones Fuzes pg. 2. Those with small openings, .875in., were generally manufactured before the war for the 12 pounder Coehorn Mortar. However by the beginning of the Civil War this small Coehorn mortar had largely been replaced by the newer 24 pounder Coehorn. All of the arsenals would have been abundantly stocked with them, and southerners made good use of them in the 12 pounder howitzers, referred to as the "Napoleon". Those with larger opening, 1.125in. may have been intended for the longer range Napoleons, however it appears that the size distinction of the opening was of little concern and both sizes were manufactured and extensively used through out the war, principal use was southern. This pattern is Confederate manufacture during the war. Instead of the usual round bursting chamber the interior was segmented into polygonal forms, points of weakness would be created to facilitate more uniform fragmentation. This pattern was cast using the four sided trapezoid shape, Dickey & George Type IV pg. 529. Often the core would drift off center during casting, the resultant off-center cavity would tend to negate the benefits of the segmented interior. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7lbs (empty). Research Center: Artillery1257-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 30.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1257-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, wood time fuze , Revolutionary War or War of 1812 period, smoothbore 12 pounder. 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, small opening (7/8in.), Ball was manufactured before 1820 and could be Revolutionary War period. Manufacturing is crude by Civil War standards, there is usually a casting sprue and the fuze hole is slightly irregular. Ball does have a hollow cavity for explosive purpose, and is round, it is indeed round and sturdy enough for artillery use. Projectile measures: diameter 4.45in., weight 8lbs, (empty). Revolutionary War or War of 1812 period 12 pounder. Research Center: Artillery1258-Ball12pdr,  Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1258-Ball12pdr.html. |
A0200.01...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, polygonal pattern, fragments.    Polygonal fragments 12 pounder, all three patterns have been found, pentagonal trapexoidal, and diagonal. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia 1864 campaign, Third Battle of Winchester and Battle of Cedar Creek, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
A0200.06...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, 12 pounder, fragments.  These 12 pounder fragments are from wood fuzed balls. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia 1863 or 1864 campaign, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
A1792.Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, polygonal pattern, fragments. Large fragment contains four segments of the diagonal pattern polygonal. Recovered: Petersburg, Virginia campaign. |
A2210.Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, polygonal pattern, fragments.  Five fragments, all pentagonal cavity, including an example of the top section with a fuze hole. Recovered: Petersburg Virginia campaign. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "common" (standard), Confederate copper time fuze, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon". This pattern is Confederate wartime manufactured 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 10lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 9lbs.) and without balls. This shell is a "common" shell, or standard, and does not contain balls, however the relatively heavy weight suggests that its interior is polygonal. By segmenting the interior into polygonal forms, points of weakness would be created to facilitate more uniform fragmentation. 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 4.52in., weight 9lbs. Research Center: Artillery1261-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 32.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1261-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, lead sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile 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 10lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 9lbs.) 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 sideplug. 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 4.52in., weight 10lbs. Research Center: Artillery1262-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 32.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1262-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, uiron sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile 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 10lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 9lbs.) 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 sideplug. 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 4.52in., weight 10lbs. Research Center: Artillery1263-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 42.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1263-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, copper sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile 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 10lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 9lbs.) 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 copper sideplug. 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 4.52in., weight 10lbs. Research Center: Artillery1264-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 42. Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1264-Ball12pdr.html. |
A0200.03...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, iron sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments    Thse 12 pounder fragments are all Confederate fuzed. The Confederate fuze has a single threat of threads, fuze is flanged and seated in a recessed area that is not threaded. This fuzing system was used for both "common" shell and "case shot" sideloaders. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia 1864 campaign, Third Battle of Winchester and Battle of Cedar Creek, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
A0200.04...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, iron sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments   These 12 pounder fragments are from "case shot " side loaders. Each fragment shows the threads for a side loader, the diameter is approximately the same as a Bormann underplug. Most plugs were lead, threads will be seen in the side of the lead plugs, once expelled from the shell. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia 1864 campaign, Third Battle of Winchester and Battle of Cedar Creek, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
A0200.08...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, iron sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments  This12 pounder fragment appears to be fuze hole for a Confederate fuze, this based on diameter. However there is not a recess for the flanged fuze to seat. Apparently the fuze was meant to simply sit on top of the ball. This would mean the ball would not be round once the fuze is installed, This might work in a mortor, but would not work in the Naploeon. Recovered: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia campaign, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
A0007...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, iron sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments This ground burst fragmented into a small number of large pieces. The considerable variation of thickness caused this. This CSA side loader is typical of poor quality castings by the struggling Confederate foundries. Note that about half of the hole for the side loader remains along with the fragments and balls that exploded downward into the ground and thus were Recovered: partially intact. Recovered: Battle of Cedar Creek (Garrett farm), by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
A0014...Smoothbore artillery projectile, spherical ball, bursting shell, "case shot", Confederate copper time fuze, iron sideplug, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in., fragments  This fragment has an iron side plug remaining intact. The federals used lead balls for grape shot. They would simply fill the shell with the ball and powder mixture, then use an auger to drill a hole in the mixture, screw in the fuze, and it is ready for battle. The Confederates typically used iron in order to conserve crucial supplies of scarce lead. To drill around mixtures of iron and powder is an invitation for disaster due to the tendency of iron to spark. So the Confederates came up with a very practical solution. They put two holes in the shell, first inserting the fuze, then the mixture of balls and powder then this simple side plug requiring no drilling. Hence any shells with side plugs are Confederate manufacture. Recovered: Third Battle Winchester, Virginia, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
| Smoothbore ball, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, Broun concussion fuze, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Broun concussion fuze designed to detonate on impact any direction. This was another idea that did not work, this ball was designed to detonate on impact, no matter what direction landed, most probably it would never have made it out of the bore. These were produced in late 1864 or 1865 when supplies were desperate and it appears that most were emptied, mechanics removed and the empty balls simply used up as bolts. Fuze employed was the Broun Percussion Fuze, convex fuze, with long screwdriver slot, (Jones pg. 69) . Projectile measures: diameter 4.5in., weight 6.2lbs. Research Center: Artillery1271-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 41.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1271-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore ball, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, Wright time fuze, iron center with spanner holes, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Wright time fuze designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field. The Wright time fuze with a 15 second range, was a late war innovation, and would allow for a significantly longer firing range. However it is doubtful that any of the 12 pound smoothbores of the period could take the additional stress of such long range firing, hence this pattern had limited applicability. Fuze employed was the Wright time fuze which utilized a white metal ring marked for 15 second increments, center is serviced with an iron cap fastened with spanner holes, (Jones pg. 28) . Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7lbs. Research Center: Artillery1281-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 37.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1281-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Smoothbore ball, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, Wright time fuze, iron center with screwdriver slot, smoothbore 12 pounder, 4.62in. Projectile was intended for the smoothbore 12 pounder "Napoleon" using the Wright time fuze designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field. The Wright time fuze with a 15 second range, was a late was innovation, and would allow for a significantly longer firing range. However it is doubtful that any of the 12 pound smoothbores of the period could take the additional stress of such long range firing, hence this pattern had limited applicability. Fuze employed was the Wright time fuze which utilized a white metal ring marked for 15 second increments, center is serviced with an iron cap fastened with a screwdriver slots, (Jones not listed). Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 7.9lb. Research Center: Artillery1282-Ball12pdr, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 37.   Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1282-Ball12pdr.html. |
| Back to beginning, smoothbore 12 pounder, PAGE 1. Research Center: Artillery1200-Ball12pdr Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery1200-Ball12pdr.html. |
| 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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