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Confederate
DIAMETER: 4.49 inches |
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| After removing the fuze in this pictured specimen, the authors were able to see the interior lines of weakness. This shell is commonly called a polygonal-cavity projectile and was used exclusively by the Confederates. The interior was cast with lines of weakness in the form of "pentagon" type sections so that it would fragment into twelve equal pieces. It is also found in the "diamond" and "trapezoid" patterns. To determine the above characteristics the collector must inspect the interior. Note the "G" stamped to the left of the fuze plug, which signifies manufacture at the Selma Arsenal in Alabama. The wooden fuze plug still has the packing tow inserted in it. The packing tow protected the powder charge from any foreign matter until it was removed prior to the insertion of the paper time fuze. This pattern projectile was used extensively in the 1864 Atlanta Campaign. For a cross section view go here. | ||||