This super fine artillery round is a Confederate 3", 'Virginia pattern', bourreleted Read common percussion shell complete with its C.S. time fuse adapter intact. Specimen was found near Confederate General Robert E. Lee's headquarters at Gettysburg within days after the fighting. One of the earliest models of Virginia-made bourreleted Reads produced for CS 3" Ordnance Rifles, this pattern has strong and distinct bands cast around the mid section and base of the body. This fired artillery round retains its original copper CS time fuse adapter with its two spanner holes still screwed into the nose. Fuse, which was a replacement plug for Borman fuses, wears a pleasing, dark bronze patina. Center of the base knob of the shell exhibits its lathe dimple along with its original copper sabot that shows the lands and grooves. Never cleaned, the exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a smooth hard surface that displays a pleasing, dark chocolate brown patina overall. Nose portion of the body has had the lathe dog knocked off at the arsenal. Length: 7 ½", diameter: 2.95", weight 7 pounds, 6 oz. This fine CS 3" bourreleted Read artillery projectile is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
If one is seeking the best in a Confederate fired artillery projectile from the Battle of Gettysburg, look no more. This mint specimen, once part of the Chritzman Collection, was found in the famous Railroad Cut at Gettysburg within days after the fighting. A remarkable projectile made for a 10-pounder Parrott Rifle, this round is a Confederate 3" smooth-sided, long read percussion shell complete with its C.S. time fuse adapter intact. Fuse still screws out easily. The fired artillery round retains its original copper fuse with the two spanner holes, common on CS time fuse adapters. This fuse, with its dark bronze patina, was a replacement plug for Borman fuses and it still retains remnants of its paper fuse. Round has its dimple in the base and its complete sabot with distinct lands and grooves displayed. Never cleaned, the exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a smooth hard surface that displays a pleasing, dark chocolate brown patina overall. Nose portion of the body has a slight surface rebate and also retains its original intact lathe dog. Length: 9"; diameter: 2.85", weight 9 pounds. This item is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This original Confederate 4.52", 12-pound spherical case-shot shell was recovered on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg sometime after the battle. The circular shell retains its CS copper time fuse adapter as well as its lead plug in the side loader hole. This specimen was professionally cleaned of all surface rust and exhibits a moderate to heavy pockmarked surface overall. Shell has acquired a wonderful brown patina. This CS 12-pound spherical case-shot shell with its lead side-loader and recovered from the Culp's Hill battle area, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Many of John Cullison's relics are on display at the main Visitor's Center "Electric Map" here in Gettysburg. One of the first of the 20th century relic hunters in this area to actively hunt and sell his find. This is the Confederate copy of the Federal Bormann fused projectile. There were minor differences in design between the Federal & Confederate Bormann. CS Bormann fuses show typical larger numbers beginning at 1/2 second mark and ending at 5 1/2 seconds. Longer wrench slot on top of the fuse and no threads at the top (side) of fuse. This unpunched fuse has still readable numbers (still has dirt in the grooves), and the fuse is 1/2 screwed in. The fuse was discontinued in December 1862, due to poor performance. This projectile was fired during the afternoon of July 2nd by the batteries of Capt. Latham and Garden, protecting the brigade of Gen. Barksdale's men as they attached Sickle's position on the Emmitsburg Road at the Peach Orchard. Body of shell has very light pitting, with little surface rust. This projectile was identified in John Gieselman's collection by his museum listing.
Here is a nice specimen of a Confederate 3" bourreleted, short-nose Mullane percussion shell specimen found on East Cavalry field at Gettysburg sometime after the fighting. Produced for CS 3" Ordnance Rifles, this fired projectile has weak bands cast around the upper section and base of the body. Remnants of the wood fuse adapter are visible in the nose of the shell. This artillery round is missing its original copper disc sabot and its base center bolt but still retains portions of the three long, iron pins at the base. Never cleaned, the slightly, pockmarked exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a hard surface that displays a pleasing, dark chocolate brown patina overall. Shell body exhibits one flame groove cut into the base. Nose portion of the body has three small circular casting flaws visible. Length of the shell body is 6½" with a diameter of 2.95". Weight almost 7 pounds. This CS 3" bourreleted short-nose Mullane artillery projectile from East Cavalry Field is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Written in old white paint "Cannister". Danner owned and operated the first museum in Gettysburg displaying and selling relics from the field. This very rare artillery canister round, only a few known to exist, was from Captain Elijah D. Taft's 5th New York Independent Battery, the only 20 pounder battery present at Gettysburg during the three days. Stationed along the Baltimore Pike near the entrance to Evergreen Cemetery. Canister Round meas. 9.75" tall. The wooden sabot is perfect. One minor area of the tin has rusted away. The top was removed most likely by Danner to expose the canister balls which are missing. Identified in John Gieselman's colleciton by his museum listing.
For use in the 10 pounder Parrott Rifle, 2.9" caliber. Patented by Robert Parrott on August 20, 1861. The wrought iron cup sabot has its pre-stamped rifling which was done during the manufacturing process. The base of the shell exhibits a large chiseled area where the excess iron was removed after the casting process. This projectile has the remains of an unmarked, slightly rounded head Schenkl percussion fuse. Approx. 1/2 of the body remains. The anvil cap unscrews. The fuse will screw in about one and a half turns. A standard Parrott fuse would easily screw into the projectile. This Parrott shell is by far the best one we have ever sold, coming from the first day's fight. This item was identified in John Gieselman's collection from his museum listing.
This rare artillery specimen is a Federal 3.67" smooth-sided, twenty-pound Parrott Type II percussion shell. The fine projectile, made for a 20-pound Parrott Rifle, was recovered on the Culp's Hill part of the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the fighting. Captain Elijah D. Taft's 5th New York Independent Battery was the only Federal battery at Gettysburg that had 20-pounder rifles in this fight. His six guns were stationed along the Baltimore Pike and fired north and eastward toward Confederate General Johnson's force on Benner's Hill and Culp's Hill. This wonderful shell example retains a portion of its original zinc fuse adapter with some of paper time fuse. Shell retains its original rabbeted brass band sabot Exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a smooth surface with a rich and pleasing dark patina overall. Never cleaned, the body has light surface pockmarks. Length: 10.30"; diameter: 3.63", weight 17 pounds. This seldom seen Gettysburg projectile is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is a fine Federal, 4.52", 12-pound spherical shell complete with its zinc Borman time fuse adapter intact. This artillery specimen was one of the most common explosive shells used in the war. The U.S. 4.52" percussion common projectile, made for a 12-pound Smoothbore gun, was recovered on Little Round Top of the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the fighting. Recovered on the David Plank Farm, this wonderful spherical shell example retains its original zinc fuse adapter with visible timing marks with ½ second settings. Professionally cleaned, the exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a slightly pockmarked surface that bears a pleasing dark brown patina overall. Diameter: 4.52"; this projectile was made for a 12-pound Smoothbore. The Little Round Top projectile is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Here is a very nice U.S. 4.52-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. John Geiselman obtained this relic from the Ed Weikert Collection; it was found in relic condition along West Confederate Avenue (Seminary Ridge) near the Virginia Monument. Very lightly pitted, it weighs 12 pounds and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from the museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Both Federal and Confederate artillery used the 12-pounder Whitworth Rifle. This is the most common Whitworth bolt produced. The majority were fired by the Confederates. This projectile was purchased by John from the famous Military Surplus dealer, Bannerman of New York. Nice, dark patina with light "peppering" to the body. Identified from John Geiselman museum listing.
The projectile rests on a small wooden base that has "Oak Ridge" painted on the side. Danner owned and operated the first museum in Gettysburg displaying and selling relics from the field. Several published photographs taken inside his museum show artillery projectiles resting on these wooden bases. The base meas. 3"x 3" x 1". The projectile missing its fuse still has the lead case-shot balls present. Also visible is the area which held the powder charge. The body of shell has light surface grime and minor areas of pitting. A fuse would easily screw into the shell. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection from his museum listing.
This Federal, intact 3" Schenkl percussion shell specimen is a wonderful artillery relic recovered from Little Round Top sometime after the Battle of Gettysburg. The percussion shell measures 9" long, has a diameter of 2.94"and in the war was the most used of any Schenkl pattern. Projectile has a minty, brass Schenkl percussion fuse tightly screwed in the nose and still retains a very good, brass anvil cap that can still be easily unscrewed from the adapter. Head flange of the adapter has a clear stamping that reads, "J.P. SCHENKL / PAT. OCT". Iron shell body has a moderate to heavy pockmarked surface and displays the raised vertical ribs on the conical tail. Projectile, which bears a chocolate brown patina, was professionally cleaned with all rust removed. This eight pound shell from Little Round Top at Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Produced by the Federal Ordnance Department, here is a fine, fired Type I Hotchkiss percussion shell without its sabot and base cup. Once part of the Chritzman Collection, this specimen was found in Pitzer's Woods on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the fighting stopped. Artillery round retains its original brass version Hotchkiss time fuse with the screwdriver slot, clean and intact. Exterior of this cylindrical shell a smooth surface that has acquired a dark patina. No rust but shell does exhibit some light surface dirt. Length: 5½"; diameter: 2¾". This item is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Here is a U.S. 3-inch Type I Hotchkiss shell with a brass percussion fuse. During the war, the Federal Ordnance Department procured almost three hundred thousand shells such as these. This shell was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on the County Home land just north of the borough of Gettysburg. Lightly pitted, it measures approximately 3 inches in diameter, is 7 inches long, and the lead sabot band is missing. The percussion fuse with a screwdriver slot and visible threads is still intact. This piece has a recent hole in the bottom from being deactivated and has been un-noticeably cleaned. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is a fired and complete U.S. 3-inch Type II Hotchkiss shell with a brass time fuse adapter. During the war, the Federal Ordnance Department procured almost three hundred thousand shells such as these. This shell was found in relic condition in Gettysburg at Devil's Den; John Geiselman obtained with a provenance that traces back to the Hummelbaugh Collection and the old Danner Museum. This shell comes with a Danner Museum wooden base measures 3 ¾ inches square, 7/8 inches high with old script lettering on one side that says "Devils Den". Lightly pitted with some rust adhering, it measures approximately 2.9 inches in diameter, is 6.75 inches long, and the lead sabot band is intact. The brass time fuse adapter with a screwdriver slot is still intact but does not unscrew. The sabot has the grooves from being fired by a rifled gun. There are no markings on the bottom of the shell. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is a U.S. 3-inch Type II Hotchkiss shell with a brass time fuse adapter. During the war, the Federal Ordnance Department procured almost three hundred thousand shells such as these. This shell was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on the East Cavalry Field and was originally in the Chritzman Collection. Lightly pitted, it measures 2.92 inches in diameter, is 6.5 inches long, and the lead sabot band is missing. The brass time fuse adapter with a screwdriver slot is still intact. Although difficult to read, this shell has the patent date stamped on the bottom of the shell. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
Here is a nice U.S. 3-inch Type II Hotchkiss shell with an early time fuze adapter. During the war, the Federal Ordnance Department procured almost three hundred thousand shells such as these. This shell was found in relic condition in Gettysburg in the National Cemetery at Gettysburg by a gravedigger. Lightly pitted, it measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and 6 ½ inches long. The lead sabot is intact and shows grooves from having been fired. The base cup is clearly marked "HOTCHKISS PATENT OCT. 3, 1855 / MAY 14, 1861". This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent addition to an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection and/or display.
From Dr. Hill Collection at Gettysburg. This near mint example consists of the remnants of a 12-pounder smoothbore stand of canister that was gathered from the battlefield only a few days after the battle. Included in this relic is one iron plate together with seven grape shot, AKA canister shot, in mint condition. A very common pre-war and war time projectile, usually called for in breaking up opposing charging infantry and cavalry. The 1/4" thick circular flat iron plate which measures 4" in diameter is partially distorted in shape. Caused by the iron plate, grapeshot and from the sheer force of leaving the tube, allows the grape to sit on top of the plate. This relic was identified in John Geiselman's collection from this museum listing and still has the small white circular label marked number "43".
Found on Culp's Hill, a few short years after the battle. From the David Plank collection. This wonderful example exhibits the poor quality of iron in the Confederate manufactured projectiles. During the process of being fired, the sabot was forced into the grooves of the rifle, the expansion of the sabot often broke the iron around the base. This "base-chipping" was common among Read projectiles. Note that the lathe dog is still attached. Usually the lathe dog was broken off before it left the arsenal. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
The most common size of canister used by both Federal and Confederate artillery for the 10 pounder (2.9" caliber) cannon. Most canister rounds contain iron or lead balls stacked in rows inside, with sawdust used as a filler. Measures just over 1" in diameter, the crude seam and spur is visible. An early Gettysburg pickup that rests on a wooden stand.
Here is a very nice fragment of a Confederate 4.52-inch case shot shell. John Geiselman obtained it from the David Plank Collection; it was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on East Cavalry Field. Very lightly pitted, it consists of approximately ½ of the case shot shell. This fragment split when it was fired at the enemy; the shell was halved vertically down the center exposing the interior of the shell and the fuse threads. The mold seam, which distinguishing it as Confederate, is very distinct. These shells were prone to fuse problems; obviously, this shell correctly exploded. This relic would make an excellent addition to a Confederate, artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection and/or display.
Nose section with the lead side-loader plug still attached. Fragment meas. 3" long 2.5" wide. Note the lathe dog is still attached, usually broken off at the arsenal before it was shipped. Small section of the bourrelet ring present . The lead plug intact and turned sideways. Iron body, nice smooth, dark patina. Identified from John Geiselman's museum collection.
Fragment measures 3.75" x 2.5", with minor surface rust, never cleaned. Identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This iron fragment recovered on the historic Trostle Farm measures 5" long, 2.75" at its widest point. It shows a complete section of one of its ribs on the tail section. Never cleaned, with very little surface rust. Identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This artifact is a US 3" Hotchkiss percussion shell-top fragment that still retains a large portion of its fuse adapter. The relic was recovered from the battlefield of Gettysburg sometime after the battle. In good condition, the shell cap has a circular, convex shape and measures 2¼" in diameter and is 1" high. Never cleaned, the shell cap fragment has very light rust pitting and a thin coat of surface dirt. This battlefield relic from Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This item is a very nice fragment of an exploded U.S. 3-Inch Type I Hotchkiss Shell. Lightly pitted, this fragment consists of the bottom part of the shell's nose section. It measures approximately 3 inches in diameter by 4 inches high. It was found in relic condition in Reynold's Woods on the west side of Gettysburg and the scene of the first day's battle. It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection.
This item is a very nice fragment of an exploded U.S. 3-Inch Type II Hotchkiss Shell. Moderately pitted, this fragment consists of the shell's base cup and measures approximately 3 inches in diameter by 2 1/8 inches high. It was found in relic condition in the Gettysburg Borough on Baltimore Street at the entrance to the schools at the Brick House. This item comes with John Geiselman's hand printed 3 ¾ by ¾ inch tag that states in three lines: "PART OF HOTCHKIS SHELL / FROM BRICK HOUSE ENTRANCE / TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL". It would make a nice display piece for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg related collection.
Here is a fragment of a lead sabot band from a U.S. 3 inch Hotchkiss shell. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on the Wheatfield. Lightly pitted and discolored to a white from having been buried for years, it is deformed and grooved from being fired. This relic measures approximately 3-½ by 1-½ inches. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.
This item is a small fragment of a 12 pound 4.52 inch spherical shell. John Geiselman found it in relic condition in Gettysburg in the Pickett's charge area. Moderately pitted and rusted, it measures 2 ½ by 1 ½ inches with a concave / convex shape and jagged edges resultant from the explosion when fired. This inexpensive piece would make an excellent display items for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This item is a small fragment from an unknown type of artillery shell. John Geiselman found it in relic condition in Gettysburg in the Pickett's charge area. Moderately pitted and rusted, it measures 3 by 2 inches with a concave / convex shape and jagged edges resultant from the explosion when fired. This inexpensive piece would make an excellent display items for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.
This artifact is the distorted section of a fired US 3" artillery shell brass sabot found on the Wheatfield. Never cleaned, the sabot fragment measures 7" in length and exhibits a thin coat of surface dirt. This battlefield relic is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
This artifact is the distorted section of a fired CS 3" artillery shell brass sabot found on the Lutheran Seminary grounds of the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the battle. Once part of the Dr. Setchal Collection, this sabot fragment measures 5" in length but is twisted into a "U" shape and also shows the clear lands and grooves. Never cleaned, the sabot fragment exhibits a thin coat of surface dirt. This battlefield relic from the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.
Remains of the original paper time fuse still inside adapter. Measures approximately 2.25" long. Brass with nice rich patina. Threads still packed with dirt. Mounted showcase number one. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
These iron case shot balls were found twenty-five years after the battle on the famous Codori Farm, scene of Pickett's Charge. Light surface rust. These case shot balls were identified by John Geiselman's museum listing.
Approximately 13" of the body of the bayonet scabbard remains - very dry and brittle. Frog attached to body of bayonet scabbard via 8 copper rivets. No makers marks visible. Very brittle and dry. John's records indicate he found it under a rock. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing mount on showcase number one with circular white label with "21" in John's hand.
Full length body of scabbard measures approximately 16". Leather very dry and brittle. Small portion of belt frog attached to top. brass scabbard tip secured via two rivets on underside of tip. Nice dark patina. Mounted showcase number one. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Measures approximately 9" long. Brass with dark patina, several dents along edges. Leather scabbard section dry with some age crackling. Location of recovery on battlefield unknown. Number one mounted showcase. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing and also with attached circular white label with "43" in John's hand.
Maker marked "W.H. Smith Brooklyn" on reverse side. Stamped brass face with wingspread eagle holding olive branches and arrow. Very light patina, may have been painted gold at one time. Hooks slightly flattened on the reverse, may have been in a display box at one time. Hooks very solid. Number one mounted showcase. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Nice dark patina, some wear to eagle. Reverse side missing both iron hooks, lead very strong, several scattered along edge of rim. Nice early pickup. This item identified in John Geiselman's museum listing. Mounted showcase number one.
Here is a very fine, maker-marked, U.S. brass oval belt plate in wonderful condition found on Oak Ridge within days or weeks after the Battle of Gettysburg. Once part of the Chritzman Collection, this fine, brass U.S. oval 'puppy-paw' belt plate specimen is complete with all hooks and wears a dark mellow patina on the face. Backside exhibits a dusky gray / green coloring with standout markings of "W.B. SMITH / BROOKLYN". Never cleaned, this fine US oval belt plate, recovered from Oak Ridge soon after the battle, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by John's own contemporary inscribed labels.
Chalky, oxidized lead bullet in rusted metallic casing. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection.
Measures approximately 5" body with scalloped designs. Two-inch brass nozzle with spring opening device still functional. Nozzle with standard measurement slots. Two carrying rings on each side of body. Body with several small pinhead-sized holes. Mounted showcase number one. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.
Nice untouched attic/barn condition. 35" semi-curved blade with unstopped fuller. Chocolate brown patina with plum scattered light to moderate pitting. Leather ricasso washer intact. Brass knucklebow with 2-branch guard and pommel cap with very dark patina. Casting flaw on pommel cap, a trait often seen in Confederate castings. Wood base grip wrapped with original leather. Leather with several areas worn through to wooden base. Several rows of double-strand wire wrap remain around pommel cap area. Absolutely untouched relic. Ex-Bob Walters collection. This item purchased by John Geiselman from The Horse Soldier in the 1990s. Great Gettysburg relic.
Nice untouched relic. Peterson's Number 118. 31.75" long blade with very dark patina. None of the original etching is visible. Blade edge is extremely nicked and shows signs of having heavy use. Surface with some pitting and surface accumulation, rust. Unstopped fuller runs approximately 23" down blade. There are no visible markings on blade or ricasso. Guard is standard style for this sword with half basket guard ornamented with floral scrolls with .5" high "US" letters near top of guard. Wonderful untouched patina, scrolled quillion. Original grip in good condition with sharkskin covering very fine. Original double-strand twisted wire intact. Standard brass pommel cap with oak leaf decorations. Guard is slightly loose from lack of ricasso washer. This sword could be tightened by restoration expert who we could recommend. Edged weapons from the Gettysburg battlefield are difficult to obtain and are rarely seen for sale. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing. Specific location of the recovery on the Gettysburg Battlefield is unknown.
This item is a remnant of the Hilt (the Counter-guard) of a U.S. Model 1840 Noncommissioned Officer's Sword. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg on Little Round Top. Composed of brass with a dark brown/green patina, it measures approximately 4 inches by 2 inches. This piece has the side that connects to the Knuckle Bow broken off. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition and would make a nice addition to a Civil War or Gettysburg relic collection or display. The model sword this relic came from is based primarily on that used in the French Army but also the style of some models used in Great Britain. This item is identified in John Geiselman's museum listing.
This item is a complete hilt (the knuckle bow and the quillon) of a U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg in the Culp's Hill area. Composed of brass with a dark brown/green patina, it measures approximately 5 inches by 5 inches by 3 ½ inches. This piece is broken off at the connection to the Pommel; there are five twisted turns of the sword tassel still present on the knuckle bow. It is in excellent condition and would make a nice addition to a Civil War or Gettysburg relic collection or display. This item is identified in John Geiselman's museum listing.
Brass with light rich patina. Mounted showcase number one. This item identified on John Geiselman's museum listing, also with small attached circular white label with "23" affixed.