Civil War Period Artillery Tongs
Item #: AA3267
Click on an image to enlarge
This is a set of Artillery tongs used during the Civil War. They measure 12" in length without the chain. They were used to load the larger siege mortars used during the war. The 8" siege mortar fired a shell weighing 44 pounds, the 10" siege and coastal mortars fired shells weighing 88 pounds and the 13" seacoast mortar shell weighed 197 pounds. These tongs, used in conjunction with a metal or wooden bar, enabled two or more men to lift these heavy projectiles and lower them into the mortar. These round projectiles were cast with "ears", a flat spot on each side of the projectile, where the ends of the tong could be inserted. This set is unmarked, but is identical to ones made by the Gould company. A couple of Civil War period images show these tongs being used and beside a huge coastal mortar are included with the images. These will help complete your Civil War artillery implement collection.
Shipping Weight:
3 lbs
Item # AA3267
(Sold)
We are currently not accepting on-line orders. If you see something you would like give us a call.