Confederate 12 Pounder Shell Cannonball - Polygonal Cavity
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Item: Confederate 12 Pounder Shell Cannonball - Polygonal Cavity
Gun: 12-pounder smoothbore, 4.62-inch caliber.
Construction: Cast iron shell.
Fuzing: Wood plug adaptor for paper time fuze.
Approximate size: Weight: 7.8 pounds. Diameter: 4.47 inches.
Condition: Very good, excavated. The shell was cleaned and treated with electrolysis. The exterior is smooth with the exception of very minor pitting and a 1/2 x 3/4-inch surface divot near the fuze hole. A visible mold seam is present.
Recovered: Unknown.
Comments: This polygonal shell design concept, attributed to Confederate Colonel John W. Mallet of Macon, GA., is believed to be influenced by segmented projectiles of British origin (Ref. Melton and Pawl, Guide To Civil War Projectiles 1994). According to Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", "Mallett's shell saw wide use by the South after its "official" introduction on Sept. 6, 1862. A "polygonal cavity shell" has lines of weakness cast inside it, making burst into 12 equal-sized geometrically-shaped fragments."
This shell will display very nicely in any office, den, or family room on a shelf, fireplace hearth, or mantle. It will also be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War artillery or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC11603
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