Confederate 2.9 inch Read Long Model Shell - Sawed in Half +++ Dug by Peter George +++
SOLD
FROM THE PETER GEORGE COLLECTION
Item: Confederate 2.9 inch Read Long Model Shell - Sawed In Half +++ Dug by Peter George +++
Construction: Cast iron with and copper Read ring sabot and experimental long range white metal fuze.
Fuzing: Experimental long range white metal fuze.
Approximate size: Weight: 9.4 pounds. Diameter: 2.85 inches. Length: 9-1/8 inch.
Condition: Good, fired, excavated. Its fuze and sabot are present. The shell has been professionally sawed in half to expose its inner components. Visible in the cross-section is the white metal fuze plug with a very unusual solid head, iron shell wall, concreted gun powder, copper sabot, vent sprue and hole. See a labeled cross-section view in the additional images for these items. The gun powder was rendered inert by the saws cutting oil. The exterior of the shell is minimally pitted, with base chipping which is the result of the over-expansion of its copper sabot upon firing. A lathe chock is visible near the nose on one half only. There is an unusually prominent mold pressure-release vent hole sprue at the center of the base. Vent hole remnant marks are unusually flush with the rest of the base. Prior to being sawed in half, the shell was run through electrolysis to preserve the exterior. The cut at the shell's equator is even and smooth. This shell has been deactivated and there are no repairs.
Recovered: By Peter George, 1981 in the area of Banks Ford, Chancellorsville, VA. Peter's research revealed that it was fired as part of E. P. Alexander's 24 cannon bombardment of Hooker's retreating wagon train at Bank's Ford ending the Chancellorsville battle.
Comments: This shell has been in Peter George’s personal collection since he dug it about 40 years ago. Peter co-authored "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War" and is one of the leading experts on artillery of the American Civil War. According to Peter, an unusual feature of the shell is its experimental extra-long white metal fuze. When recovered, Peter noticed its solid head which is extremely unusual in Confederate field artillery fuzes. Furthermore, it is the only example he had encountered. The fuze has a solid head with a passage just below it. Peter made a shallow drill hole to investigate the head to confirm that it was solid. It was then sawed in half to determine the form of the fuze below the solid head. Peter believes the fuze material to be pewter, but has not confirmed this. This Confederate shell will not only be an excellent educational tool, but will also be a great addition to any excavated Civil War artillery or general relic collection.
NOTE: The price for this shell (both halves) is $425.00. Each half may be purchased individually for $250.00. Both halves will be available as a pair, until one of the halves sells. Contact Virginia Relics if you wish to arrange the purchase of one half-section.
- Product Code:
- PC9867
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