Three Iron Balls From a "Stand of Grape" Recovered in Hanover County, Virginia
Item #: AA3473
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This is a layer of three iron balls from a "Stand of Grape" excavated in Hanover County, Virginia near the site of the Battle of Mechanicsville, also known as the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek that occurred on 26 June, 1862. The three iron balls have a nominal diameter of 1.86" diameter. Based on this diameter these could have been fired from a 24 pounder smoothbore cannon or an 8" siege howitzer. The "Stand of Grape" was an anti personnel round used against advancing Infantry in the open. This size round would have consisted of nine iron balls in three layers, divided by two rings and enclosed by two end caps. The entire round was held together by a bolt running down the center of the projectile. When fired, the bolt would break, sending the nine iron balls, along with the two rings, two end caps and pieces of the center bolt into the intended target. None of the balls have visible casting lines, suggesting these are from a Union manufacture. These must have been recovered early on as they have very little degradation. The Battle of Mechanicsville was the first engagement of the Seven Days Battle fought between forces commanded by Major General George McClellan for the Union and General Robert E. Lee for the Confederacy. The battle was a Union victory, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking Confederate forces. Total casualties for the Union troops were 361 killed, wounded or missing while the Confederates suffered a total of 1484 casualties. This set of three iron grape shot displays great, and will enhance any dug collection.
Shipping Weight:
3 lbs
Item # AA3473
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