Confederate 12-Pounder Shell with Reamed Bormann Time Fuze
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Item: Confederate 12-Pounder Shell with Reamed Bormann Time Fuze
Gun: 12-pounder smoothbore, 4.62-inch caliber.
Fuzing: Confederate copy of the Bormann time fuze.
Approximate size: Weight: 7.8 pounds. Diameter: 4.48 inches.
Condition: Very good, excavated. The surface of the shell has been lightly clear coated and there is mild to moderate pitting. The face of the fuze is distorted leaving only a couple of hashmarks visible. A large hole is present in the center of the fuze allowing the center portion of its brass underplug to be visible (see Comments section below for explanation). There are no repairs and it has been deactivated.
Recovered: Unknown.
Reference: Similar examples are pictured in the following reference books:
- "Artillery Fuses of the Civil War" by Charles H. Jones, page 27.
- "Introduction to Field Artillery Ordnance 1861-1865", by Jack W. Melton, Jr., and Lawrence E. Pawl, page 55.
See above pages in the additional images.
Comments: According to "Introduction to Field Artillery Ordnance 1861-1865", by Jack W. Melton, Jr., and Lawrence E. Pawl, page 55, "Due to the repeated poor performance of the Confederate Bormann fuse copy, its manufacture was discontinued by 1863. Remaining Bormann fuse projectiles were drilled in the center of the fuse and a paper time fuse was inserted in its place." It has also been noted that some drilled Bormann fuzes have intentionally hammered faces which obliterated the numbers. It is believed this was done to prevent the gunner from mistaking it for a functional Bormann fuze.
The example offered here will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War artillery or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC11843
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