This is an excavated 3" Hotchkiss shell from the American Civil War. The shell was umique for it's time, being constructed of three separate sections. The base, or cup section, and the nose or body section, were held together by a heavy lead sabot cast onto the middle of the shell. These shells had a tendency to come apart in flight, making it difficult to find a complete excavated one. It also made it pretty unsafe to be an Infantryman situated in front of ordnance rifles firing these things! The shells came in bolt, or solid shot, shells and case shot versions. This particular shell is of the case shot variety. It has a brass percussion fuse and flame grooves cast into the side of the shell. When the cannon fired the grooves fed the flame up to the fuse. The main body is mostly intact, missing a small section around the fuse about half way around. The cup is also present, but about half of the upper ring half way around the cup. The lead sabot is completely missing. The shell has been preserved to prevent any deterioration. This one came into the shop reported to have been recovered at the Battle of Franklin many years ago on private property. Priced to move, this will make an nice addition to your Artillery collection.

Item # AA869

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