Cannonball

Title:

Howitzer/Mortar Explosive Shell

Object Name:

Cannonball

Creator:

Unknown

Date:

1770-1880

Material:

Cast iron

Dimensions:

H-4.75 L-21 Dia-7 inches

Description:

Extremely heavy cast iron explosive shell that is six inches in diameter. A 1/2 inch hole is drilled into the shell, which would have been used to load the explosive powder. Surface is pitted, and some rust is evident. The explosive shell sits on a round wooden stand. The hole through which the powder would have been filled is closed with a plug, called the fuse.

Provenance:

There were three main types of artillery used in the American Revolution: cannon, howitzers, and mortars. Cannons, being the most well-known today, were used to fire solid-shot (non-explosive shells) that smashed. These were useful against ships and defensive walls.

Mortars and howitzers, however, were shorter and stubbier guns that fired explosive projectiles called shells. These shells could be fired at a higher arc than a cannon shot, and were often used to lob shells over defensive walls.

This explosive shell was supposedly dug up in 1825 at Bunker Hill, when the monument was being constructed.

Subjects:

Mortar, Howitzer, Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Artillery

Place of Origin:

Possibly New England

Collection Name:

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire

Item Number:

1990.026

Accession Number:

1990.026

Type of Material:

Objects

Copyright Statement:

For information regarding copyright, permissions, and reproductions contact the American Independence Museum

Credit Line:

American Independence Museum

Participating Organization:

American Independence Museum