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

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.

A1516...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 11lbs. Cut shell showing cross section of fuze and lead balls packed in sulfur matrix. Bormann fuze intact, punched and burned. Projectile is disarmed, cut shell everything open. Recovered: Port Hudson, Louisiana. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2105. 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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 10lbs. Metal solid with some pitting, remnants of straps are visible, Bormann fuze intact, un-punched, numbers are crisp. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through bottom. Recovered: north Georgia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2350...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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 10lbs. Bormann fuze intact, punched, some numbers are readable. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through bottom. Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2399...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 10lbs. Cut shell showing cross section of fuze and lead balls packed in asphalt matrix. Bormann fuze intact, punched and burned. Projectile is disarmed, cut shell everything open. Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2696...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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 10.6lbs. Bormann fuze intact, punched, some numbers are readable. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through bottom. Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2797...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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 10.8lbs. Bormann fuze intact, un-punched, some numbers are readable. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through bottom. Recovered: Richmond Petersburg, Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2826...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. Fuze employed was a Federal Bormann time fuze, 3/4 second starting time, double slot, Jones pg. 23. Projectile measures: diameter 4.52in., weight 11lbs. Bormann fuze intact, un-punched, some numbers are readable. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through bottom. Recovered: Spotsylvania, Virginia. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2885...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 not meaningful. Cut shell showing cross section of fuze and lead balls packed in asphalt matrix. Bormann fuze intact, punched and burned. Projectile is disarmed, cut shell everything open. Recovered: Virginia campaign. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2908...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 9.6lbs. Recovered: Richmond Petersburg Virginia campaign. Bormann fuze intact. Projectile is disarmed by drill hole through the bottom. Cut shell shows cross section with iron under plug and lead balls packed in sulfur. An auger was used to cut the powder cavity, note cuts on several of the balls in the center. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

A2967...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 11lbs. Cut shell showing cross section with lead case shot balls packed in sulfur matrix, iron under plug. Note this shell shows prominent mold seam, but is Federal. Shells is disarmed, cut shell exposes interior and it is drilled through the bottom. Recovered: not known. Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 35.

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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