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The Artilleryman | Fall 2015 | Vol. 36, No. 4
CONTENTS
4 5 9
PUBLISHER’S PLATFORM LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FRENCH FLINTLOCK CANNON LOCK
A French manufactured War of 1812 flintlock cannon lock. By David Kornely.
10
U.S. 10-POUNDER PARROTT CASE SHOT WITH CANNED BURSTER
12
THE REFERENCE DESK
14
THE GIRARDEY PERCUSSION FUSE
16
THE SINGLE-GUN BATTERY AT DAM NO. 1
20
TRACKING DOWN & KEEPING TRACK OF SURVIVING ARTILLERY
24
LOOMIS’ BATTERY ANNUAL LONG RANGE ARTILLERY MATCH
36
UNEXPLORED VICKSBURG ARTILLERY
42
THE OLD COLONY CLUB’S FOREFATHER’S DAY CELEBRATION
47
THE ARTILLERY BOOKSHELF
48
CLASSIFIED ADS
How the Parrott case shot is constructed. By CW04 (Ret.) John D. Bartleson Jr. USN. U.S. 10-pounder Parrott case shot cross-sections. By Jack W. Melton Jr. Isadore Phillipe Girardey’s percussion fuse. By Robert Gregory.
The remarkable shot by Cpl. Dillard of the Troup Artillery. By William Sidney Smedlund. The journey of tracking down surviving cannon. By Thomas Batha.
The annual Grayling, Michigan, live-fire artillery competition. By Don Lutz, Director.
A few cannon around the Vicksburg Battlefield that you might not want to miss. By Gary Brown. Annual celebration of the landing of the Pilgrims in Plymouth with a strange and wonderful old Forefathers’ Day celebration. .By Greg White. By Peter Frandsen.
Consultants: Thomas Bailey, (CWO4 Ret.) John D. Bartleson Jr. U.S. Navy, Craig Bell, Jack Bell, Jim Bender, Col.(Ret.) John Biemeck, Glenn Dutton, David Gotter, Butch & Anita Holcombe, Les Jensen, Mike Kent, Lewis Leigh Jr., Donald Lutz, John Morris, Michael J. O’Donnell, Bernie Paulson, Bruce Paulson, Lawrence E. Pawl, Matthew Switlik
Founding Publisher: C. Peter Jorgensen Publisher: Jack W. Melton Jr. Editor: Peggy M. Melton Book Reviews: Peter A. Frandsen Advertising: mail@ArtillerymanMagazine.com Webmaster: Carson Jenkins Jr. Graphic Designer: Squeegie Studios InDesign Guru: Neil Stewart
Contact Information: Jack W. Melton Jr. LLC dba The Artilleryman
96 Craig St., Suite 112-333 East Ellijay, GA 30540 (706) 940-2673 (BORE) Email: mail@artillerymanmagazine.com Website: ArtillerymanMagazine.com The Artilleryman is published quarterly by Jack W. Melton Jr. LLC. The office of publication is at 96 Craig Street, Suite 112-333, East Ellijay, Georgia 30540. (706) 9402673. Contributions of editorial material and photographs are welcomed at the above address. Subscription rates: $25 per year in U.S. and Canada; $42 overseas. U.S. bank checks or credit cards. Subscribe online at www.ArtillerymanMagazine.com. POSTMASTER: Send address change to The Artilleryman, 96 Craig Street, Suite 112-333, East Ellijay, Georgia 30540.
© 2015 Jack W. Melton Jr. LLC, All Rights Reserved. About The Cover: Joe Wooley, captured his father Bob’s 12-pounder CSA bronze Napoleon of Reilly’s Battery firing at a target 600 yards away at the recent Grayling, Michigan, Artillery Match. This is a fantastic photograph of the flame coming out of the cannon in which you can see the friction primer blown out of the vent. Bob Wooley and his crew won the muzzle loading cannon hit their target 5 out of 10 times. Reproduction solid bronze Augusta Foundry CSA 12-pounder Napoleon and carriage was built by Historical Ordnance Works. Readers are invited to send high-resolution photos for consideration on the cover. If we use your photo you’ll get a free year’s subscription.
Printed proudly and responsibly in the United States of America. All rights reserved under International and PanAmerican Copyright Conventions. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. The information contained herein is for the general history and background of our readers and The Artilleryman assumes no liability for loading or shooting data which may be published in this magazine. The circumstances surrounding the loading and discharge of firearms mentioned are beyond our control and are unique to the particular instance being described. We hereby disclaim any responsibility for persons attempting to duplicate loading data or shooting conditions referenced herein and specifically recommend against relying solely on this material. Readers are cautioned that black powder varies according to grain size, type, date of manufacture and supplier, and that firing of antique or replica ordnance should not be undertaken without adequate training and experience in procedures and loads.
Jack W. Melton Jr., Publisher My first issue was well received and I appreciate the very favorable comments from our subscribers. I have included some of the comments below and welcome feedback to help continually improve our magazine. I have been blessed with support from long time subscribers and authors from all over the world. They have contributed great articles on artillery, places to visit, and events. If you have a particular subject you’d like to see or write about please feel free to contact me at mail@artillerymanmagazine. com. ---------------Jack, the issue is spectacular. I wish you many more subscribers, advertisers and successful years ahead as publisher. Kay Jorgensen Editor - Civil War News ---------------Dear Jack, Wow! The Summer 2015 issue is simply amazing…like it is one of those fancy TVs in the new 4K HD! Patrick, from Tennessee ---------------As a longtime subscriber to this, and a number of other similar publications, I want to compliment you on out doing yourself. Besides the fantastic 4
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photo quality, I really liked the close ups, article content, and excellent annotations…all first class. All the Best, Cory ---------------Dear Mr. Melton, Just wanted to tell you that you have done an excellent job with the Artilleryman Magazine!! The new colors are simply beautiful and the layout is superb!! Thank you so much and keep up the great work!!!! :-) Chris, from Washington, PA ---------------Howdy, I just got my issue of the Artilleryman magazine. I can hardly believe how high the quality is! Wonderful weight paper, Beautiful photos and sooo much information! GREAT JOB and keep em coming! Patrick ---------------Jack, Congratulations on the first issue!! GREAT JOB!! Loved all the articles and was especially impressed with the cover, ha!. Good luck in this new endeavor, looking forward to many future issues. THANK YOU for including the Ohio Civil War Show in your first issue. Wayne Williams Ohio Civil War Show ---------------Looks good -- a quantum leap artistically. Thanks, Mason ---------------I have been a subscriber to The Artilleryman since early in VOL. 1. I just received the Summer 2015 copy. WOW ! It is beautiful. The paper, the color, the print, and the articles are top notch. Thanks for a great job. Bob ---------------Jack, I wanted to say that the new
issue of the Artilleryman Magazine under your editorialship looks really great. I’m glad to see that someone has picked up from Katherine Jorgensen. I wish you the best of success. Peter ---------------I really like the new Artilleryman layout, format, quality of paper, etc. Congratulations. I especially enjoyed The Reference Desk. Rob ---------------Duffy Neubauer recommends the book West Point Foundry written by Trudie A. Grace and Mark Forlow. Sold by Arcadia Press. To order call 1-800-313-2665. He says it is a must for every artilleryman’s library. ---------------Cannon Update Jim Bender reports that he has added the following information to the National Registry of Surviving Guns: two 24-pounder M1844 Flank Howitzers are on US 29 at a small C.S. Memorial in Palmetto, Georgia.
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TO THE EDITOR: Greetings! Visited your page while doing research on the artillery used during the first significant ironclad battle between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. I’m trying to find out how much the cannonballs used by both ships weighed, and more specifics about their particular cannon. Hope you can help, or steer me in the right direction! Thanks. Curtis Dear Curtis: There are many references for finding out what the Merrimack (CSS Virginia) and the USS Monitor carried in her batteries. The best summary I know if found in a book by Tony Gibbons, Warships and Naval Battles of the Civil War, Gallery Books, W. H. Smith Publishers, Inc., New York, NY, 1989. Wikipedia also has a summary of the battle and the armament of each vessel. You can view this by going to the site https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Monitor_and_Merrimack or looking elsewhere on line for the details of the ships. There is ample information available about their armament. The CSS Virginia had two 7-inch rifles; two 6.4-inch rifles; six 9-inch Dahlgren smoothbore cannons (U.S. Navy ordnance captured when the Navy Yard was captured); and two each, 12-pounder howitzers. The USS Monitor had two, 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore cannons. The 9-inch Dahlgrens on the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) fired cannonballs consisting of solid shot and shells. The solid shot weighed 90 pounds and the explosive shells weighed 72 pounds which included the weight of the black powder bursting charge that weighed 3 pounds. I have found many of these shells that were abandoned along the
James River by the retreating Confederates and can tell you the naval watercap fuses are marked 1857, 1858 and 1859. It’s unlikely the 12-pounder howitzers saw any service during the battle as the crew had to be exposed to fire them and the small caliber cannon would have proven totally ineffective against the fleet and the USS Monitor. The USS Monitor fired 11-inch solid shot, case shot and shells, from what I can determine. The solid shot weighed 166 pounds; the case shot 137.75 pounds; and the shells 133.5 pounds. The case shot and shell includes the weight of the black powder bursting charge: shell 6.0 pounds and case shot 6 ounces. I have found a case shot fired by the Monitor some days after the battle and can confirm case shot were in her locker. It had a five second fuse which the commander complained was too short in one of his reports, so this was consistent with what I found. Official Records (OR’s) also indicated she had bronze cover solid shot, but I’ve never seen one of these to weigh... nor do I know if any were fired. I haven’t addressed the rifles as your question pertained to cannon balls. The mix of shells the Virginia’s rifles fired is a much more complex question as many authors have reported a mix of 7-inch and 6.4-inch projectiles. This is likely beyond the scope of your question. John Biemeck Dear Curtis: Here is a more complete response to your questions about the cannon and projectiles used by the two dueling ships. John Biemeck correctly identified for you the cannon on board the two vessels. John and I were both privileged to be able to inspect the only known surviving projectile documented to have been fired by the CSS
Virginia. As I indicated earlier, the CSS Virginia carried only shells, not anticipating encountering an ironclad vessel. The shell we examined was a 7-inch Confederate Dahlgren shell. Without its lead sabot (lost when fired), the empty shell weighed in at 91 pounds. With a full load of powder, a fuze, and with a complete lead sabot, the shell would have weighed somewhere in the range of 110-115 pounds. A photograph of an unfired 7-inch Confederate Dahlgren shell is shown on page 218 of my book, Civil War Heavy Explosive Ordnance. According to the Naval ORs (Series I, Volume 7, page 28), the USS Monitor only used cast iron shot against the CSS Virginia, most of which shattered upon striking the armor of the CSS Virginia. According to its records (as John indicated), the USS Monitor also had on board both bronze covered shot and wrought iron shot, but did not use them during the battle. The U.S. Naval Academy has two 6.4-inch Tredegar type III shells (see my book, pages 441-442), engraved with notations that they were fired by the Confederates in early 1862, which is consistent with the timing of the design of these shells for use on the CSS Virginia with its 6.4-inch rifles. They weigh 62 and 65 pounds (adjusted for the loss of the lead ring sabot on one of them). The USS Monitor’s two 11-inch smoothbore cannon are well documented. The specific type of rifled cannon used by the CSS Virginia was a matter of debate for some years (and still may be among some). They were too early to be the standard Brooke rifled cannon that became the standard heavy cannon for the Confederacy. Most likely, they were an early Tredegar design in which 10-inch Columbiads were bored and rifled to 6.4-inch caliber, and IX-inch Dahlgren
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rifles were cast and bored and rifled as 7-inch rifles, on to which a heavy reinforcing band was placed on the breech. (See my book, pages 9-10). As John indicates, the smoothbore cannon aboard the CSS Virginia were probably part of the large number of cannon barrels recovered in Gosport (near Norfolk, VA) after Confederates captured the Union Navy port there. There is a great book on the heavy cannon barrels, The Big Guns, by Olmstead, Stark, and Tucker, which is out of print. Jack Bell § High Speed Camera Photographs Rob Hoctor sent photographs (bottom page photography sequence) of a small bore cannon that were taken using a high speed camera shooting at 120 frames per second. The load was 3 ounces of 1Fg black powder wrapped in aluminum foil with no projectile. It makes a normal flash and bang when it fires, but these photographs depict a remarkable sequence of events once ignited. Rob thinks you will find them very interesting and they certainly illustrate why you should keep your distance when firing a cannon. The barrel is 30 inches in length with a 1-7/8 bore with a steel sleeve. Note that the next to the last photograph on the right depict the carriage trail rising a few inches off the ground and the cannon moving rearward about 18 inches. § Jack, Perhaps a foolish question but: how sensitive were the Civil War percussion fuzes if they were used in muzzle loading weapons and had Photography by Austin Marti
6
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to be rammed into the bore (back towards the breach)? I’ve been a student of the Civil War since my youth (Baby Boomer – Class of 1947) and have a large Civil War library and a few Civil War artifacts (most recently a Parrott 20-pounder shell – with percussion fuze). I am currently reading the History of the 5th Massachusetts Battery. I really hadn’t given this question a lot of thought prior to acquiring the 20-pounder but found myself thinking about it on my way into the office. I would appreciate learning more. Hal Dear Hal: To answer your question about fuzes – projectile fuzes of the Civil War, in most fuzes, had a handling and bore safety that provided a measure of assurance for the gun crew. I have not read of any handling accident save the James shell when a workman attempted to remove the percussion cap from the fuze, caused a detonation which killed him and mortally wounded the shell’s inventor Charles T. James, who died the next day. There were several instances of in bore or at the muzzle detonations, primarily in the
large caliber Parrott rifles. Your shell is a U.S. 20-pounder Parrott shell with a dud-fired Schenkl percussion fuze. (See my color drawing of a unfired Schenkl fuze) It would appear that the shell nose impacted slightly at an angle crushing the fuze back into the shell threads. Who knows what caused the fuze plunger and cap not to move forward and strike the anvil. Perhaps the plunger canted and jammed. John Bartleson § Jack, The match where this picture was taken is the annual Long Range Artillery competition sponsored by Loomis Battery and held at range 35 on the Michigan National Guard base at Grayling, Michigan. Our Confederate Hughes Gun competed at 600 yards, the target being a 4-foot by 6-foot piece of panel board. 10 shot match with total number of “hits” counting for score.
Our powder charge was 3 ounces of FG black powder and a solid shot that weighs about one pound six ounces. Fired using a standard musket percussion cap. Normally there would be two ammunition boxes straddling the barrel, but we remove them and place them back of the gun, in line with the other limbers.
Unfortunately, Robinson’s Battery has only shot this distance a few times and we are still having a learning curve to deal with, so our score was unimpressive. Still, every time we fire this with shot, we learn more about the art of the artilleryman. John Hughes Capt. Robinson’s Battery http://robinsonsbattery.org
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715-526-9769 • www.zurkopromotions.com Reproduction Confederate Hughes Gun manned by Robinson’s Battery shooting at the annual Loomis’ Battery Long Range Competition. Courtesy John Hughes, Capt. of Robinson’s Battery.
The Magazine The Artilleryman is a quarterly magazine founded in 1979 for enthusiasts who collect and shoot cannons and mortars primarily from the Revolutionary War, Civil War to World War II.
Cannon safety, artillery history, places to visit, projectiles, fuses, equipment, book reviews, shoot reports, how-to articles, and artillery news U.S. and abroad.
Subscription only $25/year, U.S.
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The National Park Service lost a valued Volunteer In Parks member in the tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 16th. He was born in Cobb County, Georgia, graduating from Sprayberry High School. He attended Georgia Southern University for a year before postponing higher education to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 2014. Skip was assigned to Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, serving as a recorder. Skip began his NPS volunteer service in September 2014. Serving with the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park volunteer artillery detachment, he had become an integral part of the gun crew, mastering all of the numbered positions in the Civil War era artillery drill. During his ten months of volunteer service Skip never missed an event except for the times when his higher calling of service to our nation as a Marine superseded the needs of the park and its visitors. Skip’s enthusiasm and dedication was a boon to the crew as a whole and interpretation of Artillery to the public. As an active service Marine, Skip was an asset, connecting the history of the field artillery with the demands on our armed services in the present day for thousands of visitors. He also brought a sense of continuity between his fellow volunteers who strive every day to honor the soldiers of the past and the brave young men and women like Skip who serve our nation today.
Lance Cpl. “Skip” Wells holding the sponge and rammer. Photography by: Phillip & Janine Whiteman
T
he object at hand is a rare 1812 French manufactured flintlock ignition system
for cannon. Prior to cannon ignition ‘locks’ being used, typical firing of cannon would be with a quill primer or open powder train which was touched off with either a handheld linstock or portfire. Use of either of these methods required the gunner to be in close proximity to the cannon’s vent and left the artillerist subject to possibly be in line of the cannons’ recoil, or in the event of the failure of the tube; undoubtably in harms way. Cannon locks were developed and put into use first probably by the British in the mid-1700’s. They were quickly viewed as an improvement over the earlier systems used. The gunner would use a rope and lanyard to fire the cannon now which allowed him to be further away from the cannon on ignition. Also, in the case of a naval gun, the ignition was speedier which allowed for better shooting accuracy on moving ships and rolling seas. The brass body consists of two pieces with the release spring and cocking mechanism inside, as typical with a flintlock gun. At the rear of the lock, is an iron piece which has a hole in it for the lanyard line to attach. Black powder was filled into the pan and the frizzen closed to protect the powder from the wind and elements. The hammer which held a flint was pulled back or cocked readying the piece. A quick pull on the outstretched lanyard released the hammer and the flint would strike the steel
frizzen hopefully creating a spark which would instantaneously light the powder in the pan and set off the propellant charge. Cannon locks would either mount onto a raised cast section on the barrel next to the vent, or onto an applied mount next to the vent. On some older cannon barrels you can see the cast on mounts, or the threaded holes for screws used for attaching the mount next to the vent. The lock pictured, has in the front a pin that slid into a receiving hole, and a hole through the brass housing for a bolt to secure it. The lock measures overall, approximately 6 5/8 inches in length. Some locks have different markings. Besides different manufacturers and countries of origin, I have some that have different stampings such as anchors and other inspectors marks. Some are numbered so if they are removed from a certain cannon, they could be matched back when needed. Cannon locks are very rare to find today. Eventually flintlock style cannon locks were replaced with a percussion style system of ignition which
was a further improvement. After the simpler friction primer was introduced, cannon locks fell into disuse. Although, on some naval photographs from the American Civil War, sometimes you can still see them in use. David Kornely has an extensive collection of black powder projectiles, fuzes and especially artillerists tools and implements. He is happy to talk artillery and welcomes any comments at dkornely@ec.rr.com
BRINGOL / A PARIS / 1812
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T
he rifled Parrott case shot is unique in that it has its burster charge of black powder located in the base of the shell body. A normal paper fuse adapter connects to the bursting charge by way of two pieces of rolled tubing. The two piece tubing aids in dropping in the shrapnel balls followed by the melted matrix.
U.S. 10-pounder Parrott case shot projectile. This case shot projectile is sectioned to show the black, asphaltum pitch matrix, the lead balls, the tin bursting charge can, the powder tube and the paper time fuse section. This is the invention of Robert Parker Parrott, the inventor of the Parrott cannon and Parrott projectiles. He was the superintendent of the West Point Foundry in Cold Spring, New York. 10
The Artilleryman
The bursting charge holds a measured amount of black powder poured into the can by way of the two piece tubing using a funnel. I have no reference to the tubing being filled with the powder but see no reason why it could not be filled. The lower tubing is soldered to the tin can and permits addition of case shot level with the top. The second tubing is then mated with the lower half and allows some movement to fill remaining space with the case shot. The matrix of melted asphaltum pitch or sulphur is then poured into the shell until just below the tubing and allowed to harden. The shell can be sealed by screwing in the zinc Parrott time fuse adapter. At the battle line, the paper time fuse, of the required time is then tapped home by the artillerist and ready to load in the cannon.
Several models of American Civil War (ACW) rifled projectiles make use of this base charge effect including the Hotchkiss case shot projectile. I have often wondered if the U.S. copied the English versions or if the British copied our patents. I doubt if designers Hotchkiss and Parrott had any thoughts of how their inventions would affect all the wars to follow. The base initiating, nose ejecting principle is used by modern day projectiles of the shrapnel variety. When detonated, the majority of the shrapnel will tend to follow the trajectory and speed of the shell. Editor’s Comments: According to Robert P. Parrott’s book, Ranges Of Parrott Guns, And Notes For Practice, 1863, on page 13, he wrote that a 10-pounder, 2.9-inch caliber Parrott case shot projectile, weighing 10 1/2 pounds, fired with a 1 pound service charge at 2° elevation had a range of 930 yards with a flight time of 3 seconds. A 10-pounder Parrott shell, weighing 9 3/4 pounds, fired with a 1 pound service charge at 20° elevation, had a range of 5,000 yards and a flight time of 21 seconds. The approximate rule for time of flight for a Parrott projectile under 4,000 yards had a velocity of 900 feet in 1 second according to Robert Parrott. Text and illustrations by John D. Bartleson Jr., author and illustrator of the 1972 field guide for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel titled Civil War Explosive Ordnance 1861-1865 with radiographs. Photography by Jack W. Melton Jr.
Zinc Parrott time fuse adapter designed for a tapered paper time fuse.
Tin can burster for the 10-pounder Parrott case shot projectile that held the bursting charge.
Radiograph from the book Civil War Explosive Ordnance 1861-1865, showing the cavity, lead case shot balls and tin canned burster outlines.
8 second tapered paper time fuse.
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By Jack W. Melton Jr.
Zinc time fuse adapter Paper time fuse
Tin connecting cylinder
Sulphur matrix Lead case shot balls Powder train tube
Bursting cavity tin cylinder
Note the difference in the nose and base thicknesses between these two crosssectioned Parrott projectiles. Notches in sabot Wroughtiron sabot Diameter: 2.86 inches Bore Diameter: 2.90 inches Gun: 10-pounder Parrott Rifle, M1861 Length: 8.50 inches Weight: 9.6 pounds
Construction: Case shot Fusing System: Time, Parrott Fusing Material: Zinc Fuse Threads Diameter: 1.12 inches Fuse Hole Length: 1.31 inches
Sabot: Ring, wrought iron, Type I Wall Thickness: .43 inches Matrix Material: Sulphur Case Shot Material: Lead Case Shot Diameter: .69 caliber
A tin bursting charge cylinder was inserted into the shell through the fuse hole, the lead case shot loaded around the bursting can and a hot, liquefied matrix poured into the cavity. The paper time fuse has been driven down into the shell from impact. There are chisel notches in the wrought-iron sabot that help bond the sabot to the cast-iron shell body in order to prevent slippage when fired. Federal Ordnance records state that 51,130 10-pounder Parrott case shot projectiles were purchased for a total cost of $106,248.20*. * Message of the President of the United States and Accompanying Documents, To the Two Houses of Congress, at The Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-Ninth Congress. Washington. Government Printing Office, 1866. Page 662. 12
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Federal 10-pounder Parrott Case Shot Projectiles Zinc Parrott time fuse adapter Paper time fuse location
Tin connecting cylinder Asphaltum matrix Lead case shot balls Powder train tube
Bursting cavity tin cylinder Robert Parker Parrott
Air bubbles Brass sabot Diameter: 2.86 inches Bore Diameter: 2.90 inches Gun: 10-pounder Parrott Rifle, M1861 Length: 8.25 inches Weight: 9.8 pounds
Construction: Case shot Fusing System: Time, Parrott Fusing Material: Zinc Fuse Threads Diameter: 1.12 inches Fuse Hole Length: 1.75 inches
Sabot: Ring, brass Type III Wall Thickness: .37 inches Matrix Material: Asphaltum Case Shot Material: Lead Case Shot Diameter: .69 caliber
Sulphur matrix was replaced with a coal-tar distillate after 1862. This cold-tar distillate matrix was patented by Alfred Berney of New Jersey on June 17, 1862, United States patent No. 35,659, and was an improvement over the sulphur matrix. In the manufacture of case shot projectiles, Mr. Berney used in his matrix the residue from the distillation of coal-tar, generally known as asphaltum. This case shot projectile has a tin tube leading from the fuse to the tin cylinder which held the bursting charge. The sabot height is .50 inches from the base to the bottom edge of the sidewall of the vertical body. The zinc Parrott time fuse adapter is 1 ½ inches in length. This projectile has a longer fuse channel as compared to the one on the previous page. This unfired Parrott projectile was recovered from the James River at City Point in Hopewell, Virginia. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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I
sadore Phillipe Girardey enlisted on April 11, 1861 as a Captain and was commissioned into Co. “F”, 1st C. S. Infantry. He was reassigned to the Washington Artillery also known as Girardey’s Georgia Battalion of Light Artillery. The Governor reluctantly allowed the battalion to be reassigned to the Confederate States Army, saying “This is the best-armed and most thoroughly drilled artillery corps in the State.” 14
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The Battery was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi, commanded by General Albert Sidney Johnston. The Battalion was attached to the 2nd Corps, 2nd Division, 3rd Brigade. They fought in one major battle, Shiloh or known as Pittsburg Landing. Kudos were given to the Georgia units for their gallantry and bravery during the battle, “During this time Captain Girardey used his battery with effect upon a battery of the enemy which was playing on us from the brow of the hill opposite.” and “Georgia appears with credit at the famous battle of Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862 by two commands, the Washington Light Artillery, Capt. Isadore P. Girardey, and the Mountain Dragoons, Capt. I. W. Avery.” As early as January, 1862, Girardey submitted a request to develop a fuse. In his request he stated “I have a project in view for the improvement of Exploding Rifle Shells, which I’m fully confident will ensure the explosion as desired. It will be adaptable for all sizes of Rifle Shells. . . . If you deem it sufficiently important, I would be pleased to make a few for trial.” It wasn’t until June 5, 1863 that Girardey’s percussion fuse received recognition. The patent application was assigned Patent No. 176 by the Confederate States Patent Office, Richmond, Va. Shortly thereafter he was reassigned. On August 9, 1863, Girardey was detailed to the Augusta, Ga. Arsenal and appointed as acting Military Storekeeper. He was promoted to the rank of Major, date unknown.
His percussion fuse was very simple and inexpensive to produce. It substituted a paper-time fuse for a percussion fuse that fit perfectly into a wood or brass fuse-plug. The advantage, of course, was that the fuse would detonate a shell on impact. The fuse was shaped like a paper-time fuse and ignited like a friction primer. A copper tube filled with fulminate was wrapped with a paper casing that was tapered like a paper-time fuse. A raised serrated knife with a flat top was inserted into the anvil disc and covered by a tin cap to protect the fuse from a premature ignition. The impact of the shell drove the serrated knife into the tube causing a spark to ignite the fulminate. The flame was transferred to the main bursting cavity then BOOM! The Girardey Percussion Fuse was used from the latter part of 1863 through the end of the war. It appears that there were a backlog of invoices in the latter part of 1863 as indicated by the following excerpt. In a report by Brigadier-General Ripley C.S.A., to Brigadier-General Jordan C.S.A. on September 17, 1863, he stated, “Very few Girardey fuses have been sent to Sullivan’s Island; the district ordnance office reports that the reason is that the fuse plugs have not been furnished from the arsenal [Augusta], requisitions having been made weeks since.” Girardey’s fuse was so popular that they couldn’t meet the demand initially. Lt. Col. George Rains, commander at the Augusta Arsenal, declared that “Girardey’s fuse to be superior to any other.”
Robert Gregory is a collector, historian and author of Civil War Ordnance: An Introduction. He has written several articles for related publications including; The Mystery Crate, Hard-luck Ironclad Got Lucky, A Letter From Camp Falmouth-Virginia, Who Fired the Spherical Case, Bullet Storage Method and Gettysburg Parrott Fuze-Plug. Sources: - Artillery Fuses of the Civil War - Civil War Ordnance: An Introduction - Confederate Military History, Vol. V - Historical Database Systems, Inc. - Never for Want of Powder: The Confederate Powder Works in Augusta, Georgia - Official Records, Vols. XXVIII, LII. - University of Alabama Archives - Circular - National Archives
X-Ray of a Girardey percussion fuse.
Girardey Percussion Fuse Overall Length: 1.783 inches Non-Excavated. Top diameter cylinder is .556 inches, flange diameter is .755 inches, and has a paper covering the tapered tube. Taper is from .490 to .423 inches. The protective tin cap has been waterproofed with black Japanning.
Girardey Percussion Fuse Overall Length: 1.566 inches Copper tube diameter is .276 inches. .543 is the tube flange diameter and diameter of the top striker flange is .379 inches. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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“O
n to Richmond” boasted Gen. George B. McClellan in early April of 1862. With his Army of the Potomac of over 100,000, he marched west toward the Warwick River that wound north to south across the peninsula from near Yorktown to the southern point of Mulberry Island. Confederate Gen. John B. Magruder, with his little army of less than 15,000, was determined to stop McClellan’s huge army. Magruder dammed up the Warwick River adding three ponds to the two mill ponds at Wynn’s Mill about a mile to the north of Dam No. 1, and Lee’s Mill less than two miles to the south of Dam No. 1. Two lines of breastworks were dug by Magruder just to the west of the Warwick River. McClellan, in his siege, cautiously made a couple of half-hearted attempts to cross the Warwick in the previous two weeks to April 16, 1862. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston inspected the Confederate position in early April and determined Magruder would be
Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb. Courtesy Milton Leathers. 16
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out-flanked by Union troops moving up the York and James Rivers trapping the little army. Gen. Johnston quickly ordered troops from Orange Court House to allow Magruder to withdraw toward Richmond. Col. George T. Anderson arrived with his brigade the day before McClellan began his attack at Dam No. 1. Gen. Howell Cobb admirably commanded his brigade at the dam on the 16th. With the assistance of Anderson’s men and the single-gun
battery, the Confederates successfully slowed McClellan’s advance. April 15 there were no sharpshooters firing across the Warwick. A fine Union band and chopping of wood was heard by the Confederates. Then at 7 a.m. of the 16th, McClellan began a vigorous attack at Dam No. 1. Capt. Marcellus Stanley of the Troup Artillery, and Charlie, their little mascot, were in their camp to the rear. As soon as the firing began, Capt. Stanley with
Charlie, the mascot of the Troup Artillery
Sgt. James F. Dillard image courtesy Winifred Morrow.
Maj. Marcellus Stanley. Courtesy Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries. Charlie at his heels rushed to the front to offer their assistance. Charlie, excited with the fray, began barking and seemed to dance with delight. Before 9 a.m. Mott’s New York battery silenced the iron howitzer of the Bedford Light Artillery immediately at the end of the dam, killing two and wounding several others. The Troup Artillery had a 12-pounder bronze howitzer in the first line of breastworks about 100 yards above the end of Dam No. 1. It was unable to fire over the heads of the riflemen in gun pits for fear of an imperfect fuse. It did not fire a single round that day. A little 6-pounder field gun named the “Olivia” by the Troup Artillery was the only other gun that Magruder placed in their breastworks, about 100 yards to the right of the 12-pounder howitzer. Lt. A. Franklin Pope commanded the gun crew and Cpl. James F. Dillard was its gunner. Before the day was over, McClellan’s men referred to the little gun crew as the one-gun battery. When the Vermont Brigade wrote their histories of Dam No. 1, they also respectfully referred to the crew of the Olivia as the single-
Lt. Alexander Franklin Pope. Courtesy Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries. gun battery. It played havoc with the Vermonters crossing the Warwick below the dam. Before the day was over there were 22 Union guns firing at the Confederates. They were no match for Dillard and his 6-pounder. The Troup Artillery had only one man wounded by a misguided shell while handling horses behind the lines. Perhaps Lt. Pope took exception to Mott’s Battery targeting fellow artillerists.
The first shot aimed by Cpl. Dillard exploded over one of Mott’s guns requiring a new gun crew. A Union officer wrote a letter to the New York Express describing Dillard’s efforts upon Mott’s battery on the 16th: “Seven out of ten of our men were killed or wounded at one gun alone, the second from the right, and Gen. Smith, with three of the staff, stood not ten feet to the left and rear of it. The firing was so hot from the enemy that our dead and wounded laid so thick around the pieces as to impede the gunners in loading and one of the staff was sent to our reserve to get a fatigue party to remove the bodies. Four were buried directly under fire, and of the burial party five were wounded.
ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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I will not shock you with the ghastly sickening wounds I saw.” A little after 7 p.m., after the fighting had ceased, Gen. James Longstreet rode along the rear of the first line of breastworks and dismounted when he reached the Olivia. He peered through his field glass for a few seconds and saw a crew of Federal engineers hurriedly surveying the Confederate lines. F. W. Dorr, a sub-assistant with a plane-table attached atop a tripod, rapidly sighted through the alidade at the Confederate breastworks drawing determining lines. A very few minutes were given to each station. 1st Lt. Orlando G. Wagner of the Corps of Topographical Engineers came up to the instrument “on station” and was engaging in conversation with Dorr, within sight of Dillard’s gun, about 1,000 feet distant. Gen. Longstreet ordered Cpl. James Dillard, gunner of the Olivia, to fire a shot at the surveying crew. Dillard, having made several remarkable shots earlier in the day at Mott’s Battery, estimated the
Topographical engineers at Headquarters, Army of Potomac, in front of Yorktown, Va. Courtesy Library of Congress. 18
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Lt. Middleton Pope Barrow. Courtesy Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries. distance precisely. Lt. Pope ordered his gun crew to load the appropriate charge of powder, cut the fuse of the shell to the proper timing, adjust the elevation and Dillard aimed it at the engineering crew. Pope ordered the lanyard a quick jerk and it ignited the fulminate of mercury in the tube of the friction primer, thereby igniting the powder in the tube of the 6-pounder. Everything had to work perfectly. BANG! went the little barker. The shell struck the tripod with great precision literally blowing up the whole group. The spectacular shot fatally wounded 1st Lt. Wagner and Pvt. Jerry Luther of the Second Rhode Island regiment attached to the surveying party, and three of the crew were killed outright. Several others were wounded. 1st Lt. William E. Merrill was wounded in the upper right arm. The alidade was blown from Dorr’s hand and the sleeve of his coat torn away, but he received no personal injury except a slight scratch on the hand. Nothing was left of the plane-table. Gen. Longstreet called Dillard’s shot the best shot he saw during the war. Gen. Magruder wrote in his official report, “This piece was served with the greatest accuracy and effect, and by the coolness and
This was the first of several times the Troup Artillery faced such odds. Reports revealed in every engagement they inflicted many times more casualties on their enemy. The Troup Artillery received only eight mortal wounds during the Civil War. Bill Smedlund is a member of the Brigadier General T. R. R. Cobb Camp 97 Sons of Confederate Veterans in Watkinsville, GA. He is currently in the final stages of
writing the manuscript for the history of the Troup Artillery to be entitled Sons of Tom Cobb, Troup Artillery, Athens, Georgia. His first book, Camp Fires of Georgia’s Troops, 1861-1865, was first published in 1995. This book was nominated for the Douglas Southall Freeman History Award by the Military Order of Stars and Bars. He has also published several articles relating to the Troup Artillery.
Topographical engineer reenactors with plane-table and alidade atop tripod.
Lt. William E. Merrill. Courtesy Roger D. Hunt Collection. U. S. Army Military History Institute. skill with which it was handled, the great odds against us were almost counter balanced.” Middleton Pope Barrow, former Lieutenant in the Troup Artillery, was elected by the Georgia State Legislature to serve as U.S. Senator in 1882. While serving his term he was standing amongst a crowd on a street in Washington, D.C. telling his story about the remarkable shot by Dillard. After telling the story, an unidentified gentleman stepped forward and told the crowd that he could substantiate Senator Barrow’s story. He then identified himself as the assistant engineer that was in the surveying crew when Dillard fired his shot. William E. Merrill was working in Washington D.C. as an official with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Map of Yorktown to Williamsburg compiled by Capt. H. L. Abbot, Topographical Engineers, September 1862. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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C
aptured artillery pieces have always been collected as trophies by armies and nations. In America, many British cannons from both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 have been preserved around the country. Later, a larger group of bronze cannons from the Mexican War were added to the stockpile. However, the preservation and display of United States memorial cannons didn’t really become popular until the 1890’s. It was finally realized that the thousands of muzzle loading cannons from the Civil War were probably obsolete as weapons. A large number were initially sent to Gettysburg for the creation of the National Battlefield Park there in 1895. Simultaneously, GAR posts in nearly every town in America began requesting display guns. Communities that couldn’t afford a statue settled for a “field gun” to honor their Civil War veterans. Others added cannons to enhance statuary memorials. Thousands were sent to courthouses, cemeteries and GAR Posts around the country. More were sent to the Civil War battlefields as they became developed and preserved. By 1910, the supply had diminished but fortunately a large quantity of recently captured Spanish breechloaders were declared excess and put into the donation program. After WWI some 5,000 captured German artillery pieces and 20,000 heavy machine guns were made available. These were distributed by the American Legion beginning around 1921. Many people with an interest in 20
The Artilleryman
this topic have wondered where they went, what specifically they are and how many are left. Regarding the Civil War cannons specifically, much additional knowledge was to be gained from direct observation, supplementing those surviving written records. Now, one would think that the US government would have kept records of where and to whom they sent cannons. Well, they did for the most part. The problem for modern observers is that so many cannons were donated to scrap drives in both world wars that the records now serve as merely “leads” to where one might be. In the early 1960’s Dr. James C. Hazlett began inventorying surviving Civil War cannons in the United States. Early efforts centered around the National Battlefield Parks such as Gettysburg and Antietam. A few years later, Warren Ripley (also a cannon hunter) published the seminal work Artillery and Ammunition of the Civil War. This early “catalog” of Civil War artillery outlined the incredible variety of weapons used in that war and attempted (rather successfully) to place them in some sort of context. These efforts were joined by Edwin Olmstead who was also a fellow Company of Military Historians member. As he further studied surviving cannons and also conducted research in National Archives, the picture became clearer. Ed was able to make many corrections and additions to Ripley’s book. Much to Ripley’s credit, he gratefully accepted these submissions from Olmstead and incorporated them
in the many later editions of his book. By the early 1980’s, this project had attracted the attention of Wayne Stark. Wayne took over the Olmstead list and refined it into what is now the National Register of Surviving Civil War Artillery. In my opinion, Wayne Stark became probably the most knowledgeable person in America on the inventory and types of Civil War artillery. He was very focused on this task. Ed once confided in me that while he was always interested in a new variation, Wayne would be excited over the mere discovery of a “new find” regardless of how common it was. Wayne refined the network of Ed’s “spies” as he called us, encouraged and supported by leads the discovery of “new finds”. I remember one of my last submissions to Wayne. I was talking to him on a cell phone and he was telling me where to scrape paint to find the registry number. He exclaimed that he could “hear the scraping”, almost as if he was there. I didn’t realize just how ill he was at the time. Fortunately, the National Register was able to be passed to Jim Bender (m1861artillery@yahoo.com) who is proving to be eminently qualified to maintain the list. Jim’s biggest hurdle that I see is trying to keep track of the numerous location transfers within the military owned collections. This is a daunting task but with everyone’s help I’m sure he will prevail. The next group of cannon survivors to be surveyed was the postCivil War to pre WWII breech loaders. There had never been an organized attempt to track these but fortunately they were better documented. Konrad Schreier published a ground breaking article in Military Collector and Historian in 1968 (revised in the 1997 Periodical), focusing on all the various designs prior to WWI. As with the Ripley book, this stimulated others to begin identifying and cataloging survivors. The man who really got the project off the ground was Dick Pope from Huntsville, Alabama with his Great War Artillery Survey,
begun around 1999. Dick was great at encouraging artillery enthusiasts to report their findings. While hindered by lack of a computer program and thus consigned to a difficult to correct manual system, Dick never the less listed nearly 2,000 survivors. This project has been passed on to Charles J. Bugajsky (charles.bugajsky@comcast.net). Charles has apparently been able to computerize the data in a format that is significantly easier to use. How does one find new, previously unknown guns to add to the register? There are a number of ways, most involving a little detective work, which is a great part of the fun. Olmstead and Stark had what they called a “Compendium of Donated Cannons”. This was any reference they could mine from National Archives. These were frequently donation lists from around 1890-1920. The problem of course is that even if a cannon was donated to say Rochester, Vermont, we can’t tell from the records what it was or if it is still there. Unfortunately, probably over half the donated Civil
War guns were scrapped during WWI and WWII. A surprisingly large number were unintentionally blown up by ignoramuses trying to fire salutes with dynamite instead of powder. That, incidentally was the fate of the previously mentioned Rochester, Vermont Ordnance Rifle. When Ed and Wayne would physically check out a lead, if it wasn’t a Civil War cannon, they made no note of what was there. Wayne also maintained a rather extensive collection of
vintage post cards showing cannons in front of court houses, in parks, etc. He would send me relevant leads prior to embarking on another field trip. So armed with a list of known finds arranged alphabetically by state and city plus the compendium leads, I would set out. I always checked out the known finds as I wish to see all of them, eventually. Frequently I would be rewarded by a breech loader displayed next to the listed Civil War gun. This most recently happened in Warren, Ohio.
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If a town isn’t on the Stark list, I begin by checking out the courthouse, town park and cemeteries. You’d be surprised how many older cemeteries display cannons in the veterans section. Then I check out the American Legion and VFW Posts. Most of these have something and it’s always interesting. In a few months’ time I saw a post with three very large WWII Japanese guns, two with previously unknown coast defense guns (the rarest category of artillery survivors) and another that had a rare Gatling gun on a wheeled carriage with shield. A recent cannon expedition to Lockport, New York will serve to illustrate the aforementioned “detective work” involved in tracking down survivors. An initial survey revealed a M1917A1 155mm GPF, s/n764, Puteaux located in a park. It had no
and it was from the same list. A visit to the local historical society museum raised even more questions and more leads. They provided newspaper articles from June 1920 referring to the “cannon committee’s” dedication ceremony of arrived cannon in West Avenue Park. West Avenue Park is where the 155mm US Model 1917A3 155mm Howitzer (Schneider). Schneider is presently lo- Located in West Avenue Park, Lockport, NY. Photo cated. Were they dedicat- credit: Jim Glor. ing the Schneider or is this where the very interesting. But not there and no 4.7 inch Armstrong mount was to be one seems to know what became of it. located? Turns out, probably neither. So to recap: Lockport has two A second news clipping from 2002 WWI vintage cannons there now. related how an alderman suggested Records indicate two additional premoving the 7-inch mortar at the West WWII guns sent to and received by Avenue Park to the Lockport in the 1920’s. These have Veterans Park on East not been found. Conclusion: I believe Avenue. Wait a minute, the two missing guns were scrapped what 7-inch mortar? during WWII. Only a wartime news The article goes on to article will confirm this. The two WWI state that the mortar pieces were in fact used in WWII: The was sent to Lockport Schneider howitzer was converted in from Watervliet 1940 to high speed carriage M1918A3, Arsenal in 1920. It was exchanging its wood spoke wheels manufactured in 1892, for pneumatic rubber tires with steel weighs 1,700 pounds and rims. They were used in this configuUS Model 1917A1 155mm GPF. Located in Lock- is set in concrete in the ration extensively during WWII both port, NY. Photo credit: Jim Glor. park. This is obviously wheels or axel and was painted black. not the 4.7 inch Armstrong which was Another WWI cannon was also lodonated in 1922. This would have cated, in a different park. It was a U.S. been a US 7-inch Siege Mortar, Model M1917A3 Schneider howitzer, s/n of 1892, one of 61 made. Very rare, 2987, made in 1918. It was lacking it’s pneumatic tires but still retained the empty wheel rims. (remember this, it will come up later). Records from National Archives listed a 4.7 inch Armstrong coast defense gun as donated to Lockport in 1922. I wondered where it was and searched all the Surviving US 7-inch Siege Mortar, Model of 1892. Located at the Price likely places. A similar Surviving 4.7 Inch QF Mk IV Armstrong coast deCounty Court House in Phillips, WI. 4.7 inch Armstrong, with fense gun, located in Springville, NY. This one was A similar mortar was once located mount recently turned up originally emplaced at Battery Drum, Fort Strong, Boston, MA. A similar one was once on display in in Lockport, NY. Photo credit: Glen in Springville, New York Lockport, NY. Photo credit: Jim Glor. Williford. 22
The Artilleryman
for combat and for training. They were superseded by the 155mm howitzer, M1 and disposed of immediately after WWII. The 155mm GPF gun, while of WWI vintage was also extensively used in WWII, primarily for coast defense in prepared “Panama mounts”. One hundred were converted to self- propelled guns during WWII. They were replaced by the M1A1 155mm “Long Tom”. GPFs were quickly disposed of after the war. I think these two 155mm cannons were sent to Lockport immediately after WWII to replace the earlier guns that had been scrapped. This is conjecture at this point but eventually I’ll get to the bottom of it. Finally, people ask me why I am interested in old cannon survivors. You can view photos of them in many books. Why make the effort to track them down? My mother kind of summarized it by comparing it to a bird watcher’s “life list” of birds he has seen. I liken it to a scavenger hunt. Following leads, making calls and making long trips much more enjoyable by the diversions a search will take. Having someone to share your efforts with, who appreciates them, like Stark, Bender, Pope and now Bugajsky makes it all the more fun. Tom Batha is a long time student of historical artillery and enjoyed a working friendship with Ed Olmstead, Wayne Stark and Dick Pope for many years.
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J
uly 17-19, 2015 brought 197 cannoneers and 34 cannons to Grayling, Michigan for the 2015 Loomis’ Battery Long Range Invitational Cannon Match. This was the 24th meeting held on the Michigan National Guard training facility with over 40 ranges. This facility covers 147,000 acres spread over three counties. The event was held on Range 35.
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The Artilleryman
The 34 cannon teams competed for two cash prizes plus six trophies in the following categories: 1. Muzzle loading rifled cannons shooting 1,000 yards at a 4-foot wide by 6-foot high target. 2. Breech loading rifled cannons shooting 1,000 yards at a 4-foot wide by 6-foot high target. 3. Muzzle loading smooth bore cannons shooting at an 8-foot wide by 6-foot high target at 600 yards for 12 pounders and 500 yards for 6 pounders and smaller. 4. Breech loading rifled mountain guns shooting at an 8-foot wide by a 6-foot high target at 600 yards. 5. Mortars, both 24-pounder Coehorns and 12-pounders, shooting at a common stake at 350 yards. 6. Siege mortars, both 8-inch and 10-inch, shooting at a common stake at 625 yards. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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Consignments
For Our Important March 2016 Firearms Auction
Our last two sales included the renown and esteemed collection of artillery from the Springfield Arsenal, LLC Collection amassed by renowned cannon expert John Morris. Prices were strong and consistent throughout both sessions of the Morris auction and included a number of exciting prices. In addition to Mr. Morris’ collection the sale also included select items from other collections. We are now accepting consignments of single items and/or entire collections for our upcoming October, 2015 sale including Fine Artillery, Class III, Military items, quality Winchesters, fine Colts, important Sporting Arms, Historic weapons, Civil War and Confederate items, fine Kentucky rifles and more.
We are the world’s leading auctioneers of rare, high-grade, quality firearms. We do not sell the greatest number of firearms in a year, we sell the greatest number of expensive firearms in a year.
Extremely Rare Confederate New Orleans Made 12-Pound Bronze Napoleon on Carriage With Limber
SN 30. This spectacular gun, just recently discovered, is the only privately owned New Orleans made Napoleon cannon. Bronze gun metal was not available to the foundries in New Orleans so a proclamation was sent out from Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard to the Southern States to send their bells to N.O. to help the war effort. This is no doubt one of the Napoleons cast by Leeds from bells sent to New Orleans from churches, plantations and such across the South. Records of Leeds & Co, New Orleans indicate they shipped two light 12 pdrs on the December 19, 1861…probably foundry #19 & 20; by February 19th they shipped four more #5,30,37,and 38. Robertson’s Alabama Battery had four Leeds Napoleons on Ruggles line at Shiloh in April of ’62 of which gun was most likely one. The Federals reported capturing six Leeds Napoleons after the battle of Missionary Ridge. It seems safe to say this gun was at Shiloh and quite possibly captured at Missionary Ridge. The other five known examples listed in Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War by Hazlett, Olmstead & Parks, 2004 are all in museums or owned by National Park Service. Other listed existing SNs are 19, which is at the Petersburg National Battlefield Park; SN 38, at John Browning Museum, Rock Island. IL; SNs 45 & 53, on display at Augusta Arsenal Museum, GA; and SN 49, at Carlisle Barracks, PA. SN 30, which we offer here, is in beautiful condition with complete markings as on other examples: “1862” on left trunnion, “LEEDS & CO. NEW ORLEANS” on right trunnion. This cannon is mounted on an exacting #2 regulation field carriage with limber and implements. This cannon is ready to be taken into the field and get revenge on the Yankees who originally captured her and took her to New York. This is the only Confederate Napoleon to ever be offered at public auction and we can find only two Confederate 6-pound bronze tubes ever auctioned in the last 30 years. There are no more than 4 or 5 Confederate bronze Napoleons by any maker that are privately owned; this is your opportunity to get the most desirable bronze Confederate cannon extant. CONDITION: Very good as can be seen in photographs, as is carriage and limber. Markings are crisp and fine. Please Note: Additional history on this cannon. It was NOT taken to New York, but was according to Wayne Stark’s 1984 Cannon Registry, donated to a GAR Post #134 in 1946 and was on display at the local GAR in Wood River, Nebraska until it eventually sold. It was also featured on a television series “Sons of Guns” on Discovery Channel in 2010. 4-54465 (Pre-sale estimate: $200,000 - $250,000)
Sold for $350,750
A New World Auction Record for the Most Expensive Piece of American Artillery sold at auction and a New World Auction Record for the Most Expensive Confederate Arm of Any Variety sold at auction. 08-28-15artilleryfull.indd 1
8/28/15 9:09 AM
Wanted
Below are just a few of the successes from the Springfield Arsenal, LLC Collection amassed by John Morris
Spanish Siege Mortar Dated 1750 Captured By Dupont at Fernandina Florida 1862 (est. $90-125,000)
Sold for $97,750
Dahlgren Heavy 12-Pounder Boat Howitzer on Original Carriage (est. $60-90,000)
Sold for $92,000
Remember:
Model 1906 Krupp 50 MM Mountain Cannon (est $35-45,000)
Sold for $70,800
Seller’s Commission Rates on High Value Items as low as...
Rare & Historic U.S. Navy Light Bronze 12-Pounder Dahlgren Boat Howitzer and Orig. Carriage (est. $50-60,000)
Sold for $92,000
Rare Civil War 8” Siege Mortar (est. $15-25,000)
Sold for $34,500
Ames 1861-Dated Bronze 12 Pounder Mountain Howitzer Registry Number 1 (est. $30-50,000)
Sold for $63,250
0
%
Pair of French Model 1786 Bronze 2-1/2” Bore Cannon on Carriages (est. $15-20,000)
Sold for $27,025
Elegant Spanish 1803 8-Pound Bronze Field Gun (est. $35-45,000)
Sold for $63,250
Ames Model 1841 Bronze 6-Pounder Gun on Original Carriage (est. $50-70,000)
Sold for $92,000
Hotchkiss 2-Pounder Breech Loading Mtn Gun (est. $20-30,000)
Sold for $46,000
US Navy 500-Pound Breech Loading Cannon SN 19 on Original Carriage (est. $20-30,000)
Sold for $40,250
Contact Francis Lombardi or Wes Dillon Email: firearms@jamesdjulia.com | 203 Skowhegan Rd., Fairfield, ME 04937 www.jamesdjulia.com | Tel: (207) 453-7125 | Fax: (207) 453-2502 | Auctioneer: James D. Julia Lic#: ME: AR83 08-28-15artilleryfull.indd 2
8/28/15 9:09 AM
Winners in the six categories were: • Muzzle loading rifled cannon at 1,000 yards – 3rd U.S. Artillery - John Wells using a 3-inch Parrott rifle with 8 hits of 10 fired. • Breech loading rifled cannon at 1,000 yards – Knolls Chicago Battery – Ken Knoll using a 3.2-inch Model 1895 gun with 1 hit of 10 fired. • Muzzle loading cannon at 600 and 500 yards – Reilly’s Battery – Bob Wooley using a 12-pounder CSA Bronze Napoleon with 5 hits of 10 fired. • Breech loading rifled mountain guns at 600 yards Loomis’ Battery – Mike Potucek using a 3-pounder Whitworth gun with 10 hits of 10 fired. • Coehorn mortars at 350 yards – Dave’s Pennsylvania Battery – Dave Seedenburg. • Siege mortars at 625 yards – Loomis’ Battery – Combined Battery crew of Donald, Baumann, Carroll, & Potucek shooting the 8-inch mortar owned by Loomis’ Battery commander Don Lutz. The 3rd U.S. Artillery won the 1,000 yard muzzle loading rifle cannon category firing a 3-inch Parrott rifle hitting this target with 8 of 10 hits. John Wells, owner.
Knoll’s Chicago Battery, owned by Ken Knoll using a 3.2inch Model 1895 gun with 1 of 10 hits won the Breech loading rifled cannon category at 1,000 yards with an almost bulls eye strike. 28
The Artilleryman
Reillys’s Battery, owned by Bob Wooley, won the muzzle loading cannon category at 500 and 600 yards with their 12-pounder CSA Bronze Napoleon and hit the target 5 out of 10 times. Two of the above matches were very close requiring a string measurement for resolution. Reilly’s Battery shooting a 12-pounder Napoleon (for the first time) and Bledsoe’s CSA Battery each had 5 of 10 hits on the 6-foot wide by 8-foot high target. The string measurement performed by Dave Donald proved that Reilly’s battery won by a few inches. A similar situation existed between Loomis Battery – Potucek, 1st South Carolina – Gibson and 7th Wisconsin – Zandarkskz. All three mountain rifles had 10 hits on the 8-foot by 6-foot target. A string measurement by Matt Switlik established that Potucek shooting the Whitworth gun was the winner by only a few inches. § The highlight of the Sunday shooting was the Bacon Creek Memorial Match, which was open to rifled field guns that shot in the 1,000-yard match on Saturday.
Dave Seedenburg Pennsylvania Battery won the Coehorn Mortars category at 350 yards.
One in a million! Whether talent or luck, the photographer catches the 8-inch mortar ball leaping downrange at the moment of firing as seen at the top of this photograph. The 46.5 pound mortar ball was fired using 14.3 oz of FG black powder shooting at 625 yards at 45 degrees elevation. This shot by the Loomis Battery won the Siege Mortar Match. A combined Battery crew of Dave Donald, Ken Baumann, Kerry Carroll, & Mike Potucek shooting the 8-inch Siege Mortar, Model 1861, owned by Loomis’ Battery commander and Director Don Lutz.
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Jeff Stafford Stafford wheel and carriage llc (610) 486-0567 Restoration and reproduction of Civil War cannon carriages, wheels and rolling stock
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www.StaffordWheelandCarriage.com In January of 1861, while in camp at Bacon Creek, Kentucky, the original Loomis’ Battery was under the command of General Ormsby McKnight Mitchell of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mitchell, a West Point graduate of 1828, was the oldest West Point graduate to return to service as a General Officer during the Civil War. He was an astronomer and mathematician. Mitchell encouraged artillery target practice and made his own scientific study of rifled guns. A period newspaper account recorded that the Mitchell’s battery was firing at newspaper sheets at 1,000 yards and hitting them. Our Bacon Creek Memorial Match uses copies of a Civil War period Cincinnati newspaper as a target. These papers are mounted on a 4-foot by 6-foot backer placed at 1,000 yards. The winner must have 3 out of 10 rounds as hits entirely within the newspaper. This match has not been won by any cannon team since 2005.
Loomis’ Battery – Mike Potucek firing a 3-pounder Whitworth gun struck the target 10 of 10 times at 600 yards and won the Breech loading rifled Mountain Guns category.
The Grayling Open was won by Dave Seedenburg shooting a bronze 24-pounder Coehorn mortar. Dave is from Pennsylvania.
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The Artilleryman
Five of the shots from the 3-pounder Whitworth rifle.
Fire! Gun crew watches for the hit of their round from this 3-inch Ordnance rifle made by Historical Ordnance Works.
Antique Ordnance Publishers Artillery Drawing Reference Guides
Artillery Drawings Contact us for a catalog sheet. Drawings with dimensions of carriages, limbers, ammunition chests and more.
PO Box 610434 • Port Huron, MI 48061
AOrdP434@comcast.net • (810) 987-7749 ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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Crews in Action
Keuskii Support Artillery 3-inch Russian Gun Peter Stockfish, Huntington, Indiana
4th Indiana Light Artillery 3-inch Ordnance Rifle Marion Townsend Muncie, Indiana Michigan Legionary Corps., 4-pounder Bronze Gun Bruce Breugge Owosso, Michigan
Battery I, 1st US Artillery, 12-pounder Mountain Howitzer. Jason Grimm, Grand Marais, Minnesota ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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To enter the match, a gun crew must pay a fee. A portion of the fee goes to support the match and the balance becomes prize money. If the match is not won, the prize money carries over to the following year. This year’s prize money was $2,320 and was won by John Wells representing the 3rd U.S. Artillery shooting a 3-inch Parrott rifle. Congratulations to John and his crew from Pennsylvania! Dave Seedenburg won a money prize match for mortars —the Grayling Open—shooting a 24-pounder Coehorn mortar. Dave is also from Pennsylvania. Both regular matches and the prize money matches were won by John and Dave. Congratulations! Another match in 2016 depends upon permissions from the Michigan National Guard, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Federal Aviation Administration, and the members of Loomis’ Battery. We will keep all current and past cannoneers posted! Don Lutz, Loomis’ Battery Commander & 2015 Match Director. Don started his lifelong interest in cannons since age 10 when he built his first tube using a pipe to shoot marbles using powder from firecrackers. He graduated in 1958 from White Pigeon, MI, and in 1962 from Michigan State University - College of Chemical Engineering. He acquired his first full size cannon in 1962 [a 3-inch Parrott Rifle] and went on to acquire 12+ more. Antique Ordnance Publishers formed in 1968 with his wife Jan. Don retired in 2003 and has spent the years since that time developing AOP and rebuilding cannon carriages for his collection with the continue daily help from Jan. Don can be reached at aordp434@comcast.net.
Bacon Creek Memorial Match utilizes uses copies of a Civil War period Cincinnati newspaper as a target. John Wells, representing the 3rd U.S. Artillery shooting a 3-inch Parrott rifle, won this year. See the rifle in action, left, and the winning target, above.
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The Artilleryman
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F
rom my first visit in 1975, the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi became my favorite Civil War site. In the following forty years I have returned several times but, like most visitors, I never really looked around the city itself other than visiting the historic old courthouse overlooking the city and Mississippi River. Vicksburg, in the early years of the war, was strategically important due to its position, surveying and controlling the river traffic, thereby blocking Federal use. More a siege than actual battle, the Vicksburg Campaign consisted of two major assaults by the Union as well as conflicts to the south and east of the city resulting in a ring around the Confederate positions. Unable to physically occupy the city, the Union settled into a six-week siege in which Vicksburg was bombarded continuously until the starving residents were forced to live in dirt caves. With the detested surrender on July 4, 1863 the residents returned to the now-occupied city to survey the damage and begin rebuilding. Today, some 152 years later, Vicksburg still shows many of those scars as well as considerable ordnance displayed outside the Vicksburg National Military Park. In fact, there is so much artillery presence and history located inside the city that a full day is required to inspect it. Yet the overwhelming number of visitors make a quick tour of the battlefield and continue on their trips – as I did for so many years. But artillery is embedded deeply into the history of the city – both literally and figuratively. Cannonballs can be found in walls at several locations including the parlor of a historic bed and breakfast as well as in wrought-iron fencing. Although many of the attractions are located on Washington Street near the waterfront, any visit of the city should start a couple of blocks above at the commanding 1858 courthouse. And the courthouse is commanding – perched on the highest point of Vicksburg overlooking the city and the waterfront – even the steps to the building require climbing stairs from the street. But flanking that steep staircase are two 3-inch Ordnance Rifles made by the Phoenix Iron Company in 1863. 36
The Artilleryman
Over a thousand of these 820 pound tubes were produced by the Pennsylvania foundry during the Civil War and the two at the courthouse are in good condition with the nomenclature – including the trademark PIC (Phoenix Iron Company) – clearly legible. Donated when the old courthouse was being renovated as the current museum, there is no history of where or how these two pieces were used but they were “probably Union.”
This 3-inch Ordnance Rifle produced by the Phoenix Iron Company in 1863 is one of a pair positioned in front of the Old Court House Museum in Vicksburg. The two-story courthouse itself has been rated one of the twenty most outstanding courthouses in America by the American Institute of Architects. With thirty-foot Ionic columns, it defines Southern architecture and history. Today it operates as the Old Court House Museum owned by the Vicksburg and Warren County Historical Society. Inside, two floors of Civil War and Southern history are displayed. Those interested in artillery shells and ordnance from that period will find an excellent collection. The 1998 best seller Confederates in the Attic unfairly characterized the museum as “the most eccentric – and politically incorrect – collection that author had visited in the South. I certainly didn’t find that to be the case on my visit but make
no mistake about it – it is a museum of Southern history with items such as a Confederate flag never surrendered to the Union and the tie Jefferson Davis wore at his inauguration. The museum does have a research area available for a nominal and reasonable fee that includes information about the artillery around the city and inside the national park. George “Bubba” Bolm, the current Curator/Director of the Old Court House Museum is a very helpful resource. I was particularly interested in a massive artillery tube that had been featured in Confederates in the Attic. Driving into the city on Washington Street, I had seen it positioned below the courthouse. Vicksburg pharmacist and local historian Joseph Gerache for many years owned the Corner Drug Store across Washington Street and was featured in the book. The account in Confederates in the Attic was essentially correct Bolm stated. “Mr. Gerache did find part of the barrel sticking out of the ground in a woman’s garden. Unable to convince her to let him have the cannon dug up, he ended up buying the home and land basically to excavate the barrel.” What had appeared to be the “edge of a cannon barrel” slowly became the tube of a 9,200 pound IX-Inch Dahlgren. “Mr. Gerache mounted and displayed the cannon barrel then resold the land it had been on for a profit,” Mr. Bolm pointed out. “Confederates in the Attic claimed it was a Parrott Gun, but it is indisputably a Dahlgren IX-inch Shell Gun,” he adds.
This particular tube was cast at the Fort Pitt Foundry in Pittsburg. The barrel is almost identical to the IX-inch Dahlgren dredged up from the Houston Ship Channel recently (The Artilleryman, Vol. 35, No. 4, Fall 2014). Mr. Gerache passed away in 2012 and the Corner Drug Store, once a Civil War museum in itself, is closed and shuttered. Upon his death, Mr. Gerache donated the Dahlgren exhibit to the Vicksburg and Warren County Historical Society. From this exhibit, I headed to the Vicksburg Convention Center. I was aware that Vicksburg had a temporary cannon foundry during the war and Mr. Bolm gave me some printed information and pointed me to one of the very few locally-manufactured cannon tubes known to exist – a bronze piece cast by A. B. Reading & Brother of Vicksburg.
This rare A. B Reading & Brother bronze 3-inch rifle is displayed at the Vicksburg Convention Center.
Once again guarding the waterfront, this IX-inch Dahlgren Shell Gun was buried for decades in a flower garden. Backtracking down to Washington Street, there was no question the tube was a Dahlgren, and an excellent example. The piece is in good condition and features the “shark jaw” cascabel which is usually missing from the remaining guns today. The plaque attached to the exhibit states 1,185 were manufactured and only 48 were known to exist (in 2012). At the time Mr. Gerache displayed this piece, it was one of the very few known to exist in private ownership.
Always in short supply of raw materials, the Confederacy attempted to utilize scattered, local foundries to produce ordnance during the war. One of those was the Vicksburg facility of Abram Breech Reading and his brother. A wealthy and prominent Vicksburg businessman and landowner, A. B. Reading owned a plantation, foundry, brick mill and sawmill. It was the foundry, however, that drew the interest of Confederate officials, and in 1861 the facility was converted from producing water and gas pipe to the manufacture of smoothbore and rifled cannon. Initially, lofty production goals were set that never materialized but from December 1861 until April 1862, the A. B. Reading & Brother Foundry produced 45 cannon for the Confederacy. Most were 6-pounder bronze guns but also some lighter 3-inch rifles. Two 12-pounder howitzers were also produced. All tubes were cast in bronze and given the limited number produced very few exist today. Some of the 3-inch rifles are exhibited at the Petersburg National Battlefield Park and a 6-pounder is located in the West Point Museum. Located in Vicksburg, completely hidden behind ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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convention center promotional materials, is an amazingly pristine bronze 3-inch rifle. After peeling back a convention center room-divider screen, I could inspect the piece and expecting a hastily forged small-town foundry product, I was surprised at the quality and craftsmanship. Both trunnions were stamped “A.B.R. and BRO., V.Burg, 1862, No. 3.” The stamping has the A.B.R. and “and” nearly running together and has led to searches for the non-existent A. B. RAND foundry. It was an unexpected discovery of a very unique and quality cannon.
Washington Street (also listed as U.S. Business 61) and offer excellent views from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and illustrate the extreme danger and frustration Federal gunboats experienced trying to “run the gauntlet” during the war. All three are worth a visit for a perspective of the blockade and siege that can’t be found in the Vicksburg National Military Park itself. One of those locations, the Louisiana Circle, was manned by the 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery which during the campaign included a 10-inch Columbiad smoothbore but today exhibits one of the more famous “named” cannons of Vicksburg. Theophilus Blakely was a free-lance cannon designer in Britain, using a half-dozen foundries to produce his unique hook-slant rifling technique for several types of weapons. He had accused Sir William George Armstrong of stealing his design and when Armstrong became the superintendent of the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, Blakely stopped
A. B. Reading and Bro. only produced 45 cannon at its Vicksburg foundry including this 3-inch bronze rifle tube displayed at the city convention center. Between the convention center and the Mississippi Welcome Center (located where I-20 crosses the river into Louisiana) are three other sites and exhibits. These sites are attached to the NPS but are not part of the actual Vicksburg National Military Park and therefore are usually not viewed by park visitors. From the convention center, all three are located along
LOW MOOR / 10 61 / 1861 is stamped on the left trunnion of the English made 7.5-inch Widow Blakely rifle.
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The Artilleryman
selling his designs to the British army. The Confederacy became a ready source of orders but only one, a 7.5-inch rifled gun, was known to have served at Vicksburg – hence the term “Widow Blakely.” The piece at Vicksburg was founded in the Low Moor Iron Company in Britain and was heavily involved in the bombarding of Union gunboats – landing three shots on the U.S.S. Lafayette in April of 1863. A month later, a shell exploded in the tube requiring 24 inches be removed from the barrel and the Widow Blakely served
This stub-nosed Blakely was cast at the Low Moor Iron Company in Britain. As the only such gun used at Vicksburg, artillerymen named it the “Widow Blakely.� Originally a 7.5-inch rifled gun, an explosion required 24 inches of barrel removal but the piece continued as a mortar for the last two months of the Vicksburg Campaign.
After surrender and Union occupation, the Widow Blakely was sent to West Point as a war trophy where it remained for 96 years before being returned to the city. Union and West Point guardians marked the Widow Blakely as Trophy #170 as seen on the top of the breech. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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the remaining two months of the campaign as a mortar. After Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, the Widow Blakely was taken as a Union war trophy to West Point where it remained for 96 years before being returned to the battlefield. Exhibited today in the Louisiana Circle, the Blakely was actually positioned about a mile north of its current position during the war. In excellent condition despite its shortened barrel, the tube retains its West Point trophy plaque indicating trophy #170. Two other Park Service sites located outside the park involve dueling Federal and Confederate artillery positions about a half-mile apart and worth visiting. South Fort was a ConBattery Benton, listed today as Navy Circle, represented the Union’s northernmost advance federate stronghold deposition during the siege of Vicksburg. Just prior to the July 4 surrender, Missourians and signed to keep Union Forces Iowans traded heavy artillery fire with the Confederate South Fort a half mile to the north. from entering Vicksburg via Warrenton Road while the Federals at Battery Benton Special Offer (known today as Navy Circle) were tasked with keeping 2-issue Free Trial Subscription to Confederates from escaping on that same road. Both were armed with heavy artillery and their close proximity meant both positions were under constant heavy The monthly current events newspaper features: fire from each other. The Union position at Navy Circle is today almost an extension of the Mississippi Welcome Center. An elevated walkway from the welcome center leads � Calendar of events directly up and into the area where Battery Benton an� Book reviews, letters chored the Union siege in 1863. The excellent views of the Mississippi River illustrate just how strategically important � News, photos & features this position was to the Union. � Columns about medicine, Here, Battery E, 1st Missouri Light Artillery supported preservation, firearms, images, round tables, The Watchdog by a detachment of the 34th Iowa Infantry manned two � Display & classified ads 42-pounder rifled smoothbore cannon and traded fire with the Confederates at South Fort. On July 1, three days before � Digital edition with active links the surrender, the position, named after the Union gunboat Benton of Admiral Porter’s river fleet, took a direct hit killCall or go online for ing two and wounding four of the Iowans. FREE 2-issue Trial Subscription That direct hit came from the Confederate position at South Fort. Originally manned by the 14th Mississippi 55,000+ Likes on Facebook! Light Artillery with two 12-pounder howitzers and later Facebook.com/CivilWarNews reinforced by the 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery with a 10(800) 777-1862 � mail@civilwarnews.com inch Columbiad, this strategic Confederate position not only defended Warrenton Road but also prevented Union movement on the Mississippi River.
Civil War News
www.civilwarnews.com
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The City of Vicksburg outside the national park is an unexplored artillery enthusiast’s paradise – not surprising since for 47 days the citizens of the city endured constant bombardment making cannon an indelible part of their history. At the corner of Clay and Moore Streets, behind the old Vicksburg Hotel, sits a field piece with no nomenclature obvious under multiple coats of paint and no historical plaque explaining its role. NPS Park Interpreter Will Wilson explained it is a reproduction, unorthodox in design and showing evidence of never have been machined or otherwise finished. It is moved around occasionally and just simply sits there almost as a symbol of the city itself. A block from that field piece, a large antique emporium features in the front window a carronade exhibited for sale. A hand written note explains “Revolutionary/Civil War carronade recovered from Confederate ship sunk in Savannah River (Georgia/South Carolina).” When I asked the emporium manager about it, he replied: “The owner doesn’t really want to sell it but would take $10,000 for it. There’s always interest in old cannons around here.” There is an interest in old cannons around Vicksburg and for those with that curiosity, the city holds excellent examples of Civil War cannons not even mentioned in the Vicksburg National Military Park brochures.
Wanted 37mm anti-tank gun WWll or French 25mm anti-tank gun Leonard Draper - Phone: 404-401-5591 Email: draper.leonardc@gmail.com
Gary Brown is a frequent contributor to The Artilleryman magazine. Over the years, Gary has had articles published in The Artilleryman about historical cannon on every continent except Antarctica.
South Fort, on the Southern perimeter of Vicksburg defenses, commanded a strategic position over the Mississippi River and the main road into Vicksburg from the south. It is located on Washington Street and is approximately 1/3-mile north of I-20. The carriage is incorrect for this 1863 dated Confederate Bellona Foundry 10-inch Columbia cannon, reg. #13. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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W
hy does a men’s supper In 1982 several members of the Club, perfectly centered, this idea of borclub founded in 1769 Walter Shobbrook, Robert McKenna, ing prior to turning was insignificant. have a cannon? Indeed, and Chester Motyka began machining And besides, the gun was only made there is an answer to that question, the shaft into the shape of a gun used to make noise at a happy celebration, unlike the meaning of life or political in the late 18th century. At least that not accurate shots of projectiles in a questions. The cannon is a ceremonial is what they thought they had accomlife and death struggle. gun. This has to do with a celebraplished and it’s probably not too far The carriage was made by Clifford tion in Plymouth that the Old Colony removed from fact. The turned piece Sampson. He was an industrial arts Club began in 1769. That celebration was 42 inches long of beautiful shiny teacher at the Plymouth Carver High is called Forefathers’ Day. The day the brass. After creating the outside of the School. Fortunately, teachers have passengers on the Mayflower stepped gun the turning was bored to 1 and some enthusiastic students and Clifoff into Plymouth. The Old Colony ¼ inches. At this point it is evident to ford was the very standard of this conClub celebrates this day by tradition the sophisticated reader the question, cept. The young lads under the careful on December 22 every year. The tutelage of Clifford took good cannon display is indeed part of white oak and fashioned it into that glorious day. To begin the the trail stock, the cheeks, and day there are three discharges at the axle box. The trunnion holdsix in the morning on Coles Hill ers, axles and other iron parts overlooking Plymouth Rock. they also fashioned. The only This is always early, cold, and items that were bought were dark. the two wheels. Apparently the It is thought by some, but need for training wheelwrights not all, that the loud gun rewas not a high priority of the ports could wake some sleeping Plymouth Carver School adPlymouth residents at 6:00 AM, Forefathers Day 2013 6:00 AM Display. Early, Cold ministration. The completed but that may also because of and Dark. Photography by R. Vanozzi. carriage was lovingly sanded the music of the brass band that and finished with a high gloss accompanies the march of the Club “Why didn’t they bore the shaft blank varnish. The gun was mounted. members to the ceremonial spot. As first to make the bore exactly centered The first shot from the gun took we all know, industrious folks have when the shaft blank was uniformly place at Whittington’s horse field. Of been up for hours before six anyway. circular?” Yes this same view became course the group dedicated to testing The cannon was fabricated from a apparent to those members after the the new cannon made certain that the very large forged brass propeller shaft fact. This is not something entirely field was devoid of any animal life, esblank donated by George Davis, a new with engineering projects. Howpecially horses. Some unknown amount yachtsman. He also owned a boat yard. ever, the bore was so close to being of powder was put down the bore and 42
The Artilleryman
a ton of paper wadding jammed lovingly into the tube. A firecracker fuse was inserted into the vent which was bored to accept this type of device. The fuse was lit. The group ran away. The gun discharged. All was right. Just because you can make a cannon can you shoot it? This question was not really addressed by the Club for years. Robert Holden was given the title of “Cannoneer.� For a long number of years he operated the gun by himself under a similar method as described in the preceding paragraph. Someone suggested swabbing the gun between shots would be a good idea. This procedure probably came from watching pirate movies. A wet swab was fashioned from an old rag. On one occasion during a multiple display while he and the gun were mounted on a truck during the July 4th parade in Plymouth, Mr. Holden experienced a pre-mature discharge. The ramrod sailed without harm over the entire crowd of parade participants and the watching crowd. Doctors managed to
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March to Coles Hill on Independence Day 2015. Shown L to R Hap Messier, Wrestling Brewster, Tim Shobbrook, and the author, Greg White. Photography by Jan Tarbox. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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re-attach the skin and other bits that were shredded from his hand by this accident. The details of this event can be reviewed in the writings of The Artilleryman. Mr. Holden continued operating the gun in the same manner on Forefather’s Day until his peaceful passing. No longer was the gun activated in a parade. The passing of Mr. Holden left the Old Colony Club with no hero. Four members stepped forward to be certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as competent. God save the Commonwealth. After passing the rigors of examination, the group was considered qualified. After studying the methods of Mr. Holden, these men discharged the gun in a like manner. One Forefather’s Day morning the fuse would not fit into the vent. The gun did not fire. It was a safe morning. Certain questions, comments and observations began to fester. At this point in time, the gun crew began to learn about the correct methods to discharge cannons. This gun crew now has the title of the “Artillery Company of the Old Colony Club.” A standard four man group with specific duties, well known to artillery men, is stationed around the gun with tools appropriately made to perform safely their appointed duties.
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A gun commander carefully reminds the assembled group of their duties and keeps an eye out for safety. Safety officers are dispatched to make sure that the enthusiastic photographers do not get that perfect picture just in front of the muzzle at the time of discharge. Don Brown leads the safety officers who determine when the gun should be fired. Two men monitor the charge box and one of these advances the charge upon command. So the charge doesn’t get lost in the assembled crowd of happy Old Colony Club members. Finally, red ribbons adorn the black top hats of the men of the “Artillery Company of the Old Colony Club.” Behind the scenes charges are now made by filling aluminum foil tubes with a measured amount of black powder. These are easy to make, store and transport. The days of cutting the toes from nylon stockings and filling this little bag with some undetermined amount of powder has been banished forever and ever. Jamming paper wadding, once thought to produce a larger noise, has gone away. Wadding, as every member of the gun crew knows, is somewhat dangerous and doesn’t improve the bang. This noise is the sole reason for the existence of the gun. The brilliant light of knowledge
shone upon the “Artillery Company of the Old Colony Club” and guided it to the happy harbor of enlightenment. After the firecracker fuse incident, we bored the vent from whatever the firecracker fuse size was to .25 caliber and cleaned the vent with a .22 caliber brass brush. In addition, it was determined to ignite the cannon charge with powder and a linstock. This method would have been used in the eighteenth century. Therefore, the method had what could be called “historical accuracy.” Hap Messier, a dentist, was extremely talented in this form of giving fire. Tim Shobbrook, retired Lieutenant Colonel USMC, operated the vent and primed the gun with some fine powder in a beautiful little black lump. This method of firing was done for several years. The only drawback was when the command to fire was given; it sometimes took a little extra time before the gun would explode. Remember those photographers? Let it be said, wind, rain and snow are not your friends when using this method of fire. The group decided that a friction primer would be a more efficient way to discharge the gun. The knowledgeable reader now would say, “Why don’t these people use squibs?” The simple answer is that squib manufacture is for the very dexterous members of the human race. This quality of nimbleness is not a shining star of quality among the members of the “Artillery Company of the Old Colony Club.” Furthermore, it took a little while to develop a technique just to pull the lanyard. Several primers were pulled from the gun without igniting. These would fall harmlessly by the feet of the gun commander. He would point out where an errant primer landed. This caused some embarrassment and humility to the fusilier. The gun now fires on command and all the photographers are much safer. We think. Another item has been added to the routine. Like any other musical instrument, one must practice. The “Artillery Company of the Old Colony
Independence Day 2015. Getting Ready. Photography by Jan Tarbox. Club” practices twice a year, once in and sometimes other artillery compathe fall and once in the spring. The nies participate. In 2014, the “Artillery fall shoot is a festive party with clam Company of Newport” graced the chowder, slow smoked ribs, cheeses practice with noise, smoke and good and desserts too numerous to menfellowship. The Newport Company’s tion. Restorative beverages are served guns were cast by Paul Revere in 1797 to the greatly fatigued gunners after or thereabouts. the completion of their duties. Anyone The spring practice is hot dogs not shooting a gun can be a happy paronly. ticipant in the consumption of adult One year the great Town of Plymrefreshments at any time in order to outh did not have its July 4 parade. facilitate their understanding of how Several members of the Old Colony the cannons are discharged. There are Club were in profound discussion conabout 150 joyful people in attendance cerning this great remiss. No one could
ever recall when the Town of Plymouth did not have an Independence Day parade. The late Peter Gomes, Ninth Professor of Christian Morals of Harvard University and others felt that the Old Colony Club would parade to Coles Hill say a few words of a patriotic nature and discharge the cannon three times. This has been a continuing celebration for years. The Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence is read. Reverend Gary Marks, a foremost scholar of the Mayflower Compact, comments on its origin. The Declaration of Independence is read its entirety. Speakers are invited to say a few patriotic words. The gun is discharged. It is not early, not cold and not dark. The remaining question is how many other supper clubs discharge black powder cannons? Mr. Greg White is a new member of only 20 years with the Old Colony Club. He grows cranberries and makes clam broth when not discharging cannons. There is a 400th celebration of the founding of Plymouth in the planning. We would like to see many artillery groups participate. For more information contact the author at northcliff.white500@gmail.com
Independence Day 2015. A Happy Report. Photography by Jan Tarbox. ArtillerymanMagazine.com
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News from the U.S. Army Artillery Museum
In April, the museum installed a new exhibit case containing a scarce Pattern 1832 artillery captain’s coatee. The case also contains a General Staff Officer’s Chapeau d’Bras, two sabers, an officer’s mahogany secretary and red Moroccan leather mapcase. This beautiful grouping was acquired through the generosity of the Friends of Fort Sill, The Gentleman Soldier and Mr. Stan Hurt. In late May we mounted a two-man balloon gondola over the World War I foward observer’s case. This wicker basket was the platform for many field artillery aerial observers during the war. Suspended beneath a 32,000 cubic ft. hydrogen balloon, these forward observers provided the most timely and long distance observations for field artillery. On 2 June, the M1898 5-inch siege rifle was in-stalled in the museum’s South Gallery. This 8,000 lb. piece was moved here in two
New Exhibit Case
Mounting the 5-inch tube
loads from the Fort Douglas Museum, Salt Lake City by our hard-driving volunteer John Rogers. Rotted and damaged portions of the wheels were replaced in the Exhibits Shop by Exhibits Specialist Zane Mohler and Volunteer Harry Shappell assisted by our Special Duty (temporary assignment) Soldiers. The restoration included returning everything on the gun to full operation including the interrupted screw breech. Gordon A. Blaker Director/Curator US Army Artillery Museum 238 Randloph Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503. (580) 442-1819 http://sill-www.army.mil/FAMuseum Gordon.a.blaker.civ@mail.mil
P1832 Artillery Officer’s Coatee
Completed M1898 5-inch Siege Rifle
World War I Balloon Gondola
Siege Rifle Breech
By Peter A. Frandsen A History of the Organizational Development of the Continental Artillery during the American Revolution By Major William C. Pruett, Master’s Thesis U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Published 2011.
T
he original 13 rebelling States scarcely had the resources to field the infantry it did let alone expensive artillery and the attendant trained personnel and supply tail. General Washington knowingly stated that artillery is a combat arm that is not easily raised and fielded and requires much effort. The records of the Continental and state artillery units left behind were not abundant and were commensurate with the limited resources available at the time. Subsequent loss due to fires since that time have not helped. The surviving records are far less than the enormous legacy left by the Civil War; there is not an equivalent of the Official Records for the Revolution. One of the principal published sources of information has been William Birkhimer’s Historical Sketch of the...Artillery (1884, reprinted 1968), who almost certainly had access to some of the original records now stored in the National Archives. The other early published work is the comprehensive technical treatise, American Artillerist’s Companion (1809, reprinted 1969) by Louis de Tousard. The small booklet Artillery of the American Revolution, by Michael McAfee, American Defense Preparedness Association (1974) is an old stand-by focusing on the weapons of the artillery. The Continental Army, by Robert Wright, U.S. Army Center of Military History (1983) has some idealized tables of organization of artillery organization and related information. Published works on just the artillery are few and far between and delving into
primary sources of the Revolution is most difficult. This master’s thesis for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has made good use of the published material without merely copying and repeating the same information again. The author makes his case that the Continental artillery, despite many challenges, developed into a professional organization almost from scratch by the end of the War and capable of at least holding its own in battle against the professional European opponent. That is no mean feat considering the challenges General Washington mentioned. The author presents his evidence in four main chapters – each chapter representing a different line of evidence. It is not an operational history of the artillery nor is it a history of battles.
Chapter one lays out the structural framework and statutory authorizations for the Continental artillery as it formed in part from separate State units. The second chapter describes the slow shift from singularly independent, small State-based militia units to broader and somewhat larger Continental-based units under the professional unified command of a proper chief
of artillery. The organizational struggles concerning the higher control of the field artillery in the Revolution would repeat themselves some eighty years later in the Civil War. Chapter three describes some of available drill manuals at the time although the impact they might have had on larger tactics is very limited as there was little need for massed field artillery in the Revolution. The first American drill manual, A system for the discipline of the artillery of the United States, by William Stevens, would not be published until 1797. According to de Toussard, each Continental or State unit often had its own procedures, nonetheless; professional training made its first tentative contributions to a unified force. The fourth chapter uses a collective biographical approach to show organizational development through the careers of twelve selected leaders from bombardier to Lieutenant Colonel. These biographies are quite fascinating in that, besides supporting the thesis, the reader sees a human side of the artillery arm commanded by American revolutionaries some 225 years ago. The author’s conclusion is that the Continental artillery, with much hard work, eventually did pass muster and did its part to win the war militarily. Hard proof of that is the use of field artillery at Saratoga, New York, in 1777, and particularly the siege artillery at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781; two decisive actions that secured American Independence. Unfortunately many of the lessons learned, especially concentration and unification, were completely forgotten and had to be re-learned all over again during the Civil War. Recommended for anyone interested in the Revolution or history of American artillery. This thesis can be downloaded at www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/ GetTRDoc?AD=ADA547586.
ArtillerymanMagazine.com
| Vol. 36, No. 4
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Artillery Goodies For Sale 1. Trade in #1 Field Carriage: $3,500 Call or email for more details and pictures. 2. Steel mold for a 3-inch Parrott Bolt: $750 3. Steel 12-Pdr. Round Shot Mold: $750 4. King howitzer, steel barrel on split trail carriage. Complete with sponge & rammer: $3,000 5. Type II Ordnance Rifle pendulum hausse (with the diamond shaped apertures): $300 6. Bronze US Golf Ball Mortar: $300 delivered 7. Steel CS Model Golf Ball Mortar: $200 delivered 8. Steel CS Mortar, 3-inch bore on wooden bed: $450 delivered 9. Steel 12-Pdr. Mortar on wooden bed: $1,800 10. 6-Pdr. Solid Shot, Zinc: $15 11. CS Steel 12-Pdr. Mortar on oak bed, new: $1,600 12. Used US Artillery Captains Frock Coat, Excellent Shape Size 46: $125
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REPRINTED EARLY 20th century U.S. Army coast artillery ordnance manuals for sale. For list send two first-class postage stamps to Peter A. Frandsen, 9900 Georgia Avenue #302, Silver Spring, MD 20902-5242. TRAIL ROCK Ordnance offers metal parts for the #1 and #2 Field Carriages, Field Limber and 1st Model Prairie Carriage. Color catalog available for $7 ppd. Steve Cameron, 1754 Little Valley Rd, Blaine TN 37709, 865-932-1200, akm556@aol.com, www.trailrockordnance.com. TWO SPONGE buckets, close reproductions, $95 each postpaid. 1841 Mountain Howitzer pendulum sight, $75 postpaid. Call Len, 1st St. Paul Artillery 651-799-6299. NUMBER ONE LIMBER new condition walnut ammunition chest with copper top, built correct and very good $6,500. Leonard Draper, Cedartown, Ga . 404-401-5591, email: draper.leonardc@gmail.com. NAVAL CO LINE THROWING GUN: Dated 10.2.44. Comes with watertight container for .32 blanks, lanyard, firing
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mechanism, rammer, wrench and 1 original projectile. $3,750.00. If interested please contact: Bill Anderson 757-870-5493. 12-POUNDER MOUNTAIN HOWITZER PLANS FROM OFFICIAL US ORDNANCE DRAWINGS Barrel plans and pack carriage plans that you can read+ photographs of a surviving carriage with an original gun tube. Price is $30.00 including USPS priority mail postage. Don Lutz - Antique Ordnance
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Bronze mortar from the Georgius Rex period of King George II (1727-1760)
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