Description: A fragment of a 12lb. spherical case shot and the lead balls that would have been inside and two 1 1/8 inch “grapeshot” or canister balls found on the Malvern Hill Battlefield in Virginia. This size “case shot” with the smaller lead balls were used with the smooth bore brass “Napoleon” field pieces or howitzers. The large canister balls were also used in the 12lb howitzers and were made up into layered rounds and used at short range against opposing forces. The fragments and balls could have been used by either side. A standard weight for a solid cast iron spherical ball was set at 12 pounds; hence balls of this caliber were referred to as a "12 pounder". "Common" shot was a contemporary term referring to 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. "Grape" or "stands of grape" refer to balls stacked loose, held in place with a bolt, rings and plates, or canvass, no explosive charge or sawdust. A "Canister" shot is not a round ball at all but refers to a cylindrical "can" filled with balls. This was the artillerist's weapon of last resort. Once the enemy got close to the battery, the gunners would load these rounds, and the flimsy stand would burst on firing sending the contents in shotgun fashion against the troops charging the cannon. The stands of grape could be used in either rifled or smoothbore cannon, and was intended to burst immediately on firing, consequently the presence or absence of rifling would not have been important. As a weapon of last resort, rounds could have been double or triple loaded without adversely stressing the cannon, because a standard powder charge could be used. The Battle of Malvern Hill was fought on July 1, 1862, between the Confederate “Army of Northern Virginia”, led by Gen. Robert E. Lee, and the Federal “Army of the Potomac” under Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan. It was the final battle of the Seven Days Battles, taking place on an elevation of land known as Malvern Hill, near the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia and just one mile from the James River. More than fifty thousand soldiers from each side took part, using more than two hundred pieces of artillery and three warships. The stand measuring 8” is included. The iron fragment has been treated and sealed and measures 3”. The additional photograph of the shell is to show what the artillery piece looked like whole. All of the artifacts are guaranteed to be original Civil War issue or as stated. A hand signed and dated “Certificate of Authenticity” will be issued by Collectors Frame with a photograph and description of the items purchased. Please see our "About Collectors Frame”, for more information on the framing and artifacts.
Price: 75 USD
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
End Time: 2024-11-29T14:04:48.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
