4.62" James

[redbob]

Wanted: a 4.62" James, I know; a unicorn, but I figured that it never hurts to ask.

[CarlS]

Not quite a unicorn.  I've seen 3 or 4 for sale I think over the years.  One I had a chance to buy twice.   They don't come up much but it is possible.

[redbob]

If you hear of one or if one comes your way, I'm certainly interested-thank you.

[Garret]

Good luck, I hope you find one.   Wouldn't the 5.82 or the 6.4 be more of a unicorn?

[redbob]

While I'm in the market for the 4.62"er, I wouldn't turn my back on the 5.82"er either.

[CarlS]

Any James besides the 7" that is larger than a 3.8" is very uncommon to the point of being rare and at least I would be unable to say which is more rare than the others.   Perhaps our resident James expert Jon can chime in when he gets a chance as he may have some idea.  Of course Pete and some others that have been involved in artillery since right after the war could also provide some in put on what they've seen over the years.   

[redbob]

Just when you think that you have a pretty good collection, something else comes along to capture your interests.

[speedenforcer]

Of course Pete and some others that have been involved in artillery since right after the war could also provide some in put on what they've seen over the years.   LOL that's funny

[Garret]

In my opinion, every collection needs at least one James shell and several variants of them at that!

[jonpatterson]

Well, I finally saw this and it is a topic I really like. Been preoccupied with my own upcoming march south....in peace.

I am fortunate enough to have both the 4.62 shell and the 6.4 bolt, with the 4.62 more of my liking in condition. I bought the 4.62 at Mansfield in 2014 and the 6.4 at Mansfield in 2015. I am not sure which is actually scarcer, but had seen a 4.62 previous, but not a 6.4.

However, I am certain the 2.6" Bolt for the Wiard Rifle is the scarcest of my James Gang. The last figure I heard (2013) there were 5 of them known.

[Garret]

Jon, I like your examples.   The 6.4 is a bit rough, but it is a very scarce shell.   There are those photos taken in South Carolina during the war with pristine examples of 6.4 on the sand.   Wish we could go back in time and  pick one up!   
Have you seen a 5.82 in your search for all the James variants?

[jonpatterson]

Yes, I would like a better 6.4" and one from the photo of them in the sand would be great. I have not seen a 5.82" for sale in my search. Hope you have better luck than I have had.

[CarlS]

Jon:  Looking forward to you moving down here.  We'll start equipping you with the accent once you are pernamnently here!     Some amazing examples of those shells.  Nice.  Looking forward to them coming back south.

[redbob]

Well, I finally saw this and it is a topic I really like. Been preoccupied with my own upcoming march south....in peace.

I am fortunate enough to have both the 4.62 shell and the 6.4 bolt, with the 4.62 more of my liking in condition. I bought the 4.62 at Mansfield in 2014 and the 6.4 at Mansfield in 2015. I am not sure which is actually scarcer, but had seen a 4.62 previous, but not a 6.4.

However, I am certain the 2.6" Bolt for the Wiard Rifle is the scarcest of my James Gang. The last figure I heard (2013) there were 5 of them known.

Very nice, and the quest continues.

[emike123]

A couple years ago I finally acquired a 4.62" James in shell and bolt, but long before that I had this mint 4.62" James shell that had been cut in half.  It was quite sickening, but I didn't do it!  It came out of a museum that closed in NC.