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


Civil War Artillery
by Harry Ridgeway


Research Center: Artillery5311-Schenkl
Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs.
Research Center: Artillery5311-Schenkl, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5311-Schenkl.html.


A0094...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.

Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 10.0lbs. Projectile is likely unfired, fuze is fully intact which is unusual, paper sabot missing as usual. Projectile is disarmed by drill hole through the paper section of the combination fuze. Recovered: Richmond, Virginia.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A0799. Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze, lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs. Combination fuze is missing the top, case shot balls are inside. Projectile is disarmed, open fuze hole exposes interior. Recovered: Berryville, Virginia.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.
Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia.

A1340...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs. Combination fuze is partial, case shot balls are inside. Projectile is disarmed, open fuze hole exposes interior. Recovered: Charles City, Virginia, Seven Days Battle.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2138...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs. Combination fuze intact. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through the side. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2447...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9.3lbs. Combination fuze intact. Projectile is disarmed, drill hole through the side. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2476...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 8.6lbs. Comnbination fuze intact and is removable. Projectile is disarmed, removable fuze exposes the interior. Recovered: Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2591...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 8.6lbs. Projectile is cut showing cross section. Combination fuze is partial, case shot balls are inside. Projectile is disarmed, cut shell exposes interior. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2721...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs. Projectile is cut showing cross section. Combination fuze is partial, case shot balls are inside. Projectile is disarmed, cut shell exposes interior. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2722...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs. Projectile is cut showing cross section. Combination fuze is partial, case shot balls are inside. Projectile is disarmed, cut shell exposes interior. Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2790...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9lbs. Combination fuze is missing the top, case shot balls are inside. Projectile is disarmed, open fuze hole exposes interior, shell may have been recovered in the 19th century or early 20th century, portions of combination fuze were apparently removed to disarm it. Civil War artifacts recovered from the Walker/Lupton property just north of Clearbrook, Virginia. There were two houses on the property, one was called Fairfield and the other Willow Spring. Virginia Lupton Riley was born at Willow Spring. It is likely that the Civil War items were found on this property, having passed from her aunt, Carrie Lupton Bond, who lived at Fairfield until sometime in the 1960's
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.
Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia.

A2829...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9.3lbs. Combination fuze is fully intactl. Projectile is disarmed by drill hole through the side. Recovered:Recovered: Gettysburg campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2871...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 9.6 lbs. Combination fuze shows damage from firing but held. Projectile is disarmed by drill hole through the side. Recovered: Richmond Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.

A2880...Rifled artillery projectile, Schenkl design, Federal manufacture, bursting shell, "case shot", lead balls packed in asphalt matrix, rounded nose, paper sleeve sabot, Schenkl combination fuze early pattern, Ordnance rifle, 3 in.
Projectile was manufactured in the Federal arsenals, following the design of John P. Schenkl. The sabot system consisted of a "forcing cone" paper sleeve, which was intended to expand into the rifling, then flutter away on release. Problems with the paper absorbing moisture or swelling and blocking passage of the flame on firing rendered it impractical with time fuzes and so it saw limited application. This pattern with rounded shoulder was designed to hold "case shot" balls, designed to disperse above the heads of troops in the open field. Lead balls of small size, about .54in. diameter, are packed in black or asphalt matrix, with long powder train which often will be off center. Fuze employed was the Schenkl combination fuze, which was a complicated contraption designed to ignite either by time or on impact. This "early" pattern fuze has the percussion mechanism on the top of the fuze, Jones pg. 104. Projectile measures: diameter 2.94in., length 9in. (excluding the fuze), weight 7lbs. Combination fuze intact. based on weight, shell may be empty of case shot. Projectile is disarmed by drill hole in the base. Recovered: Richmond Petersburg, Virginia campaign.
Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 299.


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.
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