Bullet and Shell Civil War Projectiles Forum

Relic Discussion => Artillery => Topic started by: CarlS on July 09, 2018, 12:37:58 AM

Title: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: CarlS on July 09, 2018, 12:37:58 AM
Though it took me nearly forever (6 months), I have some papers sent to me by Selma Hunter that I'm going to try and find the time to post some that might be of interest.  I'll start with a foundry that I knew/know very little about: Brooks & Gaynor.  We see here they were listed as in business in 1860-1861:

https://books.google.com/books?id=WGkUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA404&lpg=PA404&dq=brooks+%26+Gaynor+memphis&source=bl&ots=hIpuzqApiG&sig=CbrXYSbWMpczMAuF0yunQQJA-TA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwikheunlJHcAhWFz4MKHVAyAkMQ6AEIJzAA#v=onepage&q=brooks%20%26%20Gaynor%20memphis&f=false

but we also see from the images below they were buying shell castings (if I am readying this right) for the Confederacy in 1862 where they paid for a number of shell castings from the Briarfield Arsenal which became the Bibb Naval Furnace.  Bibb is known for the high quality iron that went into much of Selma's Brooke and other such big guns.  More can be seen here:

https://books.google.com/books?id=WGkUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA404&lpg=PA404&dq=brooks+%26+Gaynor+memphis&source=bl&ots=hIpuzqApiG&sig=CbrXYSbWMpczMAuF0yunQQJA-TA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwikheunlJHcAhWFz4MKHVAyAkMQ6AEIJzAA#v=onepage&q=brooks%20%26%20Gaynor%20memphis&f=false

But at least some of their iron went to Brooks&Gaynor.  I can't tell if these were solid shot or projectiles with powder cavities.  It looks like they cast 24-lber, 18-lber and 12-lber copper cups but I don't know if that is the type of shell or if the invoice is just for a copper cup.  This is where people with better eyes than mine can determine what this is saying.  Selma Hunter has the original which might be better reading.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 09, 2018, 07:47:14 AM
Carl & Co.,

Here is another item indicating B&G activity in February 1864.  The company provided many different projectiles to numerous facilities.  I have copies of some docs showing direct shipment to Ft. Pillow and other facilities.  Many many different sizes from 2.9" up to Columbiad fodder.  Will post as I can re-discover the pages.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 09, 2018, 08:39:48 AM
All,

Further to the above, please note that I am attempting to post a number of images of B&G documents.  I will answer questions but am not planning to expound on much of this.  (I cannot expound about that which I know so little).

Note the many varieties of projectile - up to 13" shells assumed to be for mortars.  There are invoices here with letterheads showing Memphis Ordnance Works, consignments to Ft. Pillow, and activities up to late 1864 at least.  The Memphis Ordnance Works (Maj. Wm. R. Hunt, Cmdg) relocated to Columbus, MS and operated closely with the Briarfield Arsenal.  Briarfield was under a contract to the CS Army to provide ordnance to the government.  That contract stipulated that the government would provide the iron and other production materials that allowed Briarfield (Privately held) to produce.  Eventually material shortages caused production interruptions which led to bankruptcy/buyout in about March of '64.  A board of appraisal was convened and the assets of Briarfield were transferred to the Selma Arsenal and as I can piece the story together these assets were sent to Columbiana, AL where the "Briarfield Arsenal" continued to operate.  Now, when you get ready to discuss markings on projectiles consider the "G" as potentially coming from the "G" in Brook and Gaynor.  Further to this last thought, also operating in Columbus, MS as early as 1861, also providing ammo to the facilities along the Mississippi was another firm named Quimby & Robinson (Robinson?).  Another foundry NEAR Selma (about 110 miles but in period travel that was relatively close),  and which could shed light on the mysterious Selma associated "Q".  Just thinking out loud on that.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: CarlS on July 10, 2018, 11:58:22 PM
Bill: Many thanks for the added info. I hope to post some more in the next couple days.  I'll also try to 'translate' the old time cursive writing with the hopes that other can fill in what I can't make out.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 11, 2018, 07:34:22 AM
Carl,

Spent some of yesterday going through the B&G files page by page so they can be posted.  Should have a few to share at some point today.

Bill
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 11, 2018, 10:12:19 AM
Carl & Co.

Finally got some B&G files compressed. 

Note B&G invoicing Selma Arsenal in March of '64.

Note B&G Variety of ordnance invoiced
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 11, 2018, 10:18:03 AM
More B&G.

Note reference to Ft. Pillow.

Much grape shipped from B&G.

Invoice for "Submarine battery" weights, collars, etc. in numerous invoices.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 12, 2018, 09:38:56 AM
All,

These pages have references to Archer projectiles & Condemned items.  Clear evidence of the "submit for inspection and acceptance" process.  These pages also provide an indication of the variety of projectiles manufactured by B&G.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 12, 2018, 10:04:00 AM
Note the variety in this summary of B&G products.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 12, 2018, 10:06:32 AM
More inventory.  Note references to Archer, Tredegar and submarine battery weights.
Title: Re: Brooks & Gaynor
Post by: Selma Hunter on July 12, 2018, 10:19:30 AM
Last Posting on B&G manufactured ordnance.
Note references to Tredegar, Archer Bolts and especially 12 pounder GRAPE shot.