Original U.S. Civil War Confederate Copper Time Fused 24lb Inert Side Loaded Case Shot Cannon Ball

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely U.S. Civil War Confederate iron cannonball, measuring approximately 5.7" in diameter. This would indicate that it is a 24lb. size, for the Confederate 24-pounder smoothbore, 5.82-inch caliber cannon. The copper time fuze denotes that this is of Confederate origin. Not Available for Export.

The cannonball is Confederate wartime manufacture for the light smoothbore "Napoleon" cannon using the copper time fuze designed to detonate in the air above the target, spreading fragments against troops in the open field. Those with side plugs were generally configured as case shot (approx 18lbs. with iron balls), those without side plugs are usually "common" (approx 12lbs.) and without balls. This shell is "case shot" and employed a side plug as a way to load iron balls into the shell. The side plug on this example is absent, and the threads for the plug can be seen in the hole.

The cannonball is somewhat rusted, with the usual scaling and pitting scars seen on excavated ordnance. This has resulted in it being slightly larger than spec, as the rust scaling expands in size compared to the cast iron it is made of. It's definitely a nice looking example, with a great patina!

A great piece of U.S. Civil War militaria, ready to display!

Specifications:
DIAMETER: 5.63 inches
GUN: 24-pounder smoothbore, 5.82-inch caliber
WEIGHT: 24 pounds
CONSTRUCTION: Shell
SABOT: Wooden cup (missing)
FUZING: Bormann time fuze