Item Number: F00080

Item Title: Sectioned CS 24pdr polygonal shell

Price: $195

Shipping: Not included

Provenance: CS

Type: Spherical shell with diamond polygonal cavity

Size: 24pdr

Sabot:

Fuse:

Book:

Location Recovered: Spanish Fort

Description:This is half of a 24 pounder Confederate cannon ball cast with a core that created lines of weakness allowing it to break into consistent sized pieces. Commonly called a polygonal cavity cannon ball and also known as a Mallett Polygonal Cavity shell, this was a very effective design. It caused the shell to break into 12 equal pieces. It is a very good invention that I'm very surprised the Union never adapted or at least tried.

Nearly all of this type shell came from the Mobile and Spanish Fort, Alabama areas. They were very likely all made in Selma.

This half shell is nicely cut to show the polygonal cavity interior which is in good shape. Half of a wood plug in the fuse hole (to keep moisture out prior to using) is also intact.