This wonderful artillery projectile called the "Virginia Pattern" Read Shell still retains the CS Copper Time Fuse Adapter. Specimen was found on Cemetery Ridge within days after the fighting. One of the earliest models of Virginia-made bourreleted Reads produced for the 3" rifles. This pattern has strong and distinct bands cast around the midsection and base of the body. This fired projectile still retains the copper sabot with the "lands & grooves" visible from the rifling. Standard pattern fuse adapter in very good condition. Center of the base knob of the shell exhibits its lathe dimple. Never cleaned, the exterior is in excellent condition. Once painted silver, the paint has worn off over the years. Nose section of the projectile has had the lathe "dog" broken off at the Southern Arsenal. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

This Confederate Read shell, a Gettysburg battlefield recovery, is an original, fired artillery projectile that was found on Culp's Hill not long after the battle. In good relic condition, this bourreleted Read projectile measures 7½" long with a 3.25" diameter and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds. Made for C.S. 3" Ordnance Rifles, this Southern artillery artifact retains a 2" long portion of its original, copper, tapered-ring sabot that shows two of the rifling grooves. Missing on this projectile is the original CS copper fuse plug adapter. A small 'knock-off' spur, a.k.a. a lathe dog, is still visible on the shell body near the nose. Exterior of the shell body exhibits pronounced "chipping" or "flaking" due to casting flaws in manufacture. Bottom base displays the characteristic lathe dimple. Never cleaned. This rebel "Read" shell wears light to moderate surface rust and is an early battlefield pickup from Culp's Hill on Gettysburg's battlefield. Shell is identified in John Geiselman's museum collection.

Here is an outstanding, unfired Confederate 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 solid shot for his own collection from the Shoemaker Collection. Almost as new, this shot is in outstanding condition; it is mounted in the wooden cup-shaped sabot nearly 2 inches tall and is retained with two original tin straps. The sabot appears to be made of pinewood, has a few old wormholes, and has a wide crack in the base that doesn't detract from its appearance. The sabot has some nicks, scratches, and dents, listed here for accuracy. The shot weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, 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.

This Civil War artillery specimen is an original, Confederate 3", smooth-body Read case shot, lead sideloader projectile. Made for the CS 3" Ordnance Rifle, this fired specimen was recovered in Gettysburg at the East Cavalry Field battlefield sometime after the battle. The heavy, cylindrical artillery round retains its tapered copper ring sabot along with its lead sideloader plug, but it is missing its original brass time fuse adapter. The ¾" diameter lead plug is almost white in color and is situated on the exterior shell body about 2.5" down from the nose. The necessity of using iron case shot caused the Confederates to experiment with "sideloader" cylindrical projectiles in 1863. Most of the 'sideloader' Reads were not used after that time. Exterior of this cylindrical shell exhibits a hard, smooth surface with a light brown patina overall. No trace of the lathe dog or spur is visible. The intact copper sabot still exhibits the distinct seven bands of the tube rifling. Base of the iron body has light to moderate "chipping" visible due to casting flaws of the sabot. Lathe dimple visible in the base. Length: 8.5"; diameter: 2.94", weight 9 pounds. This fine 'smooth' Read case shot side loader is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

Here is a fine, Confederate, 6-pound, 3.67" spherical solid shot, fired by the Confederate batteries of Latham and Garden, and recovered from the area between Little Round Top and Devil's Den shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg. The solid round shot measures 3.58" in diameter and weighs approximately 5½ pounds. Just tiny traces of the mold seam are visible on the body. The Confederate solid-shot artillery specimen displays a moderately pockmarked surface and has a light film of rust overall. This artillery round, which has acquired a mottled brown patina, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Here is a nice, attractive Confederate 3.67-inch solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. Lightly to moderately pitted with an attractive patina, it was recovered in relic condition from the Rose Farm in Gettysburg, having been fired by the Confederate batteries of Latham and Garden. It has provenance to the David Plank collection of Gettysburg items. It weighs 6 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 6-pounder smooth bore 3.67-Inch gun. It has a heavy mold seam and break off mark. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's by a contemporary tag and comes with a small round hard rubber display base. It would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.

Here is a large, twenty-pound Federal 3.67" Parrott artillery projectile that was recovered from the Culp's Hill area soon after the Battle of Gettysburg, having been fired by Taft's 5th New York Independent Battery of Light Artillery. Once part of the Hess Collection from Harney M.D., this fine Parrott shell is intact and still retains its wrought iron sabot with its five 'pre-engraved' flanges or rifling grooves. A 1" long chip or 'flake' has broken off from the sabot edge. Missing from this artillery shell is the brass, Schenkl time fuse adapter. The majority of these large Parrott shells saw duty with the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern Theater. Designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, the shell was used with the 20-pounder Parrott rifle of 3.67" caliber. Shell measures 9.5" long, has a diameter of 3.63" and weighs almost 20 pounds. This example is in fine condition and wears a rich, dark brown patina overall. Never cleaned, shell exhibits just light surface rust pitting with little surface dirt. Here is a wonderful artillery specimen of the treaded 20-pounder Parrott projectile as found in John Geiselman's collection. Shell is identified in John's museum listing.

A wonderful example of this federal 2.9" projectile, referred to as a sub-pattern one, was found shortly after the battle. This projectile is intact with a Parrott Type I percussion fuse. The first projectile to adopt the two-piece percussion fuse. It consists of a zinc slider with a nipple and a percussion cap on top that was housed in a circular channel cast into the nose of the shell. A threaded zinc anvil cap closed off the channel. Upon impact the slider would slide into the cap and ignite the shell's charge. This simple design was also called the "West Point" style fuse. Minor surface grime to the zinc fuse, the body of the shell has minor areas of light surface rust, rest of shell smooth having never been cleaned. Near the iron sabot has a small "air bubble" hole from the casting process. Meas. about .25" diameter. Identified by John Geiselman's museum listing by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Here is an original, Federal, 2.9" Parrott artillery projectile recovered from the David Plank Farm on Little Round Top sometime after the battle of Gettysburg. Converted and used as a farm weight, the Parrott shell has been deactivated and an iron shaft or wedge has been driven down into the fuse cavity. Used as a gate or door weight of sorts, the artifact was likely put to use at the Plank Farm. This type of Parrott shell, designed by Robert P. Parrott in August 1861, is a smoothside, cylindrical iron shell and was used with the 10-pounder Parrott rifle of 2.9" caliber. Shell body measures 8.5" long, has a diameter of 2.86" and weighs almost 12 pounds. A prominent crack runs the length of the exterior body. This Parrott example is in relic condition and wears a rich, chocolate-brown patina over a lightly pockmarked, rusted surface. This Union Parrott artillery shell / farm weight is a representative projectile from the cannonade at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

This specimen of Civil War, Union artillery ammunition is a fine example of a Type II Hotchkiss percussion shell complete with brass fuse adapter, intact lead sabot and iron base cup. The shell was found at an undisclosed location on the Gettysburg battlefield shortly after the battle. Designed by Andrew Hotchkiss of Sharon, Connecticut and patented in 1855, the Federal Ordnance Department purchased this type of projectile in larger numbers (almost 300K), more than any other Hotchkiss series shell during the Civil War. This wonderful artillery artifact retains its original brass time fuse adapter screwed into the nose of this artillery round. Fuse adapter has the typical 'screwdriver slot' on the flange and the edges have been somewhat rounded over. Shell measures 6.75" long x 2.94" in diameter and weighs 8.9 pounds. Made for the 3" Ordnance Rifle, this round appears to have been cleaned long ago and now wears a dark, rich plum brown patina overall. Exterior of this cylindrical shell body exhibits three deep flame grooves cut vertically down the sides of the shell including the battered but intact lead sabot that is slightly loose on the shell. The flame grooves caused definite weakening of the sabot and resulted in many of these shells losing their sabots and base cups when fired. Shell's iron base is intact and bears an old inventory number (C 14) painted on it with white paint. Both the sabot and the base cup are in remarkable condition. This very fine, complete Hotchkiss shell, still in strong, tight condition was found on the Gettysburg battlefield and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

Here is a wonderfully complete, Federal, 4.52" smoothbore, spherical shell that would have been fired from a 12-pound field piece as used during the Civil War. Once part of the Allen Walker Collection, this unfired specimen is in outstanding original condition and was found at an undisclosed location on the Gettysburg battlefield within days of the battle. The artillery round still retains its original lead-alloy Bormann fuse, original wood sabot with the thin metal banding and the brass spanner plug or underplug beneath the fuse. The Bormann fuse was made of equal parts of lead and tin and was a very dependable ignition system during the war. The time increment markings on the fuse face are clearly visible. This projectile has never been cleaned and over the last 140 years or so has acquired a beautiful plum-colored patina overall. Surface is smooth and hard with no rust at all but it does exhibits some surface soiling from barn storage. The no-crack, circular, original wooden sabot base is strong and tight and remarkably comes complete with its original slit-type metal banding atop the cannonball. Banding has acquired a dark patina also. This attractive and complete U.S. 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield and once part of the Allen Walker collection, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

Here is a very good, Federal, 4.52" smoothbore, spherical as used during the Civil War. Once part of the David Plank Collection, this iron specimen was found at Little Round Top on the battlefield in Gettysburg sometime after the battle. The artillery round is missing its Borman time fuse as well as it original brass spanner or underplug. The threaded opening in the body made for the fuse and the underplug exhibits rough threads. Never cleaned, this projectile has acquired a mottled, dark plum-colored patina overall. Surface is relatively smooth with just a hint of rust and dirt scattered about. This U.S. 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Little Round Top battlefield at Gettysburg, is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

A Federal, 4.52" smoothbore spherical shell that was evenly cut into two equal halves or sections. Found on the David Plank Farm and once part of the Plank Collection, speculation is that this artillery shell was cut in half sometime after the war and used on the farm. Once part of the ammo supply of a 12-pounder field piece as used during the Civil War, this two-sectioned specimen fit together perfectly and both are in very good condition. Missing its Bormann fuse, this shell remnant exhibits a large threaded opening on the exterior body of one section with the underplug still tightly in place and complete with the two spanner holes on its flange. Each half of the artillery round features a deep bowl. This projectile has never been cleaned and has acquired a beautiful plum-colored patina overall. Exterior surfaces of both sections are hard with just some light soiling. Interior shows a very light rust scale coating. This US 12-pound spherical shell, recovered from the Plank Farm on the Little Round Top battlefield at Gettysburg is identified by John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

This artifact is a very fine, original condition, Union 12-pound solid shot that was recovered at the Plank Farm on Little Round Top at Gettysburg within a few months of the battle. Once part of the David Plank Collection, this artillery round was one of the most commonly used Civil War smoothbore projectiles and was often referred to as an un-fuzed, round iron lump. Has no mold seam. Never cleaned. Bears a wonderful dark, chocolate brown patina. The 12-pound solid shot, from the David Plank Collection in Gettysburg, is identified on John Geiselman's museum listing.

Here is an outstanding, original, fired U.S. 4.52-inch 12 pound solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. It was found in relic condition at Culp's Hill. Almost as new, this solid shot is has a few small gashes most likely imprinted when it stuck its target(s); it has a nice gray/green patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. A light mold seam encircles it. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.

Here is an outstanding, original, fired U.S. 4.52-inch 12 pound solid spherical shot. Shot rounds such as this were usually fired to ricochet from one target to another causing extensive damage. It was found in relic condition at Reynold's Woods. With a very light pitting, this solid shot is has a few small gashes most likely imprinted when it stuck its target(s); it has a nice gray/green patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. A light mold seam encircles it. It weighs 12 pounds, is unfused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. This piece comes with a nice wooden display base made of stained oak and pinewood. A small paper label on the bottom of the base indicates a price of $"5.00". It was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.

Here is a very nice unfired U.S. 4.52-inch spherical shell with a Bormann time fuse. This relic has provenance to the Bannerman catalog; Francis Bannerman operated a large store dedicated mostly to Army and Navy war surplus items in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. He also published periodic catalogs known for their great reference of Civil War items. Moderately pitted, this shell weighs 11 pounds, is fused, and was meant to be fired from a 12-pounder smooth bore gun. The shell has a nice green patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. The Bormann time fuse is undamaged, has a long wrench, and still has all the numbers and detents visible. There is a small (¼-inch diameter) deactivation hole in the bottom opposite the fuse. This projectile has no mold seam. After 1862, almost every Federal 12-pounder smoothbore shell fired had a Borman fuse in it, making this the most common explosive shell of the War. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

This artifact is a nose fragment from a U.S. 3" Hotchkiss percussion shell that still retains a large portion of threaded opening for the fuse adapter. The relic was recovered from the Gettysburg battlefield at the Codori Farm sometime after the battle. In good condition, the shell fragment has a circular, convex shape and measures 2¼" in diameter and is 2¾" high. Never cleaned, the shell cap fragment has very light rust pitting and a thin coat of surface dirt. This battlefield relic from the Codori Farm at Gettysburg is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

This fragment of iron is from a Federal 4.52" twelve-pound spherical shell recovered from the Codori Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. The iron shell frag measures approximately 2" long x 2" wide. Never cleaned, both the exterior and interior portions of this piece exhibit moderate rusting and some surface dirt. The remnant of this U.S. 12 pound spherical shell came from the Codori Farm at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his own contemporary inscribed labels.

This cylindrical fragment of iron is an unidentified portion of a 3" artillery shell as recovered from the Codori Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. This iron piece of shell measures approximately 3" long x 2" wide. Never cleaned, the exterior of this base exhibits moderate rusting and surface dirt while the inner cavity has light pockmarking. This remnant of an artillery shell came from the Codori Farm at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

This cylindrical fragment of iron is an unidentified portion of a 3" artillery shell as recovered from the Codori Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. This iron piece of shell measures approximately 2" x 2". Never cleaned, the exterior of this base exhibits moderate rusting and surface dirt while the inner cavity has light pockmarking. This remnant of an artillery shell came from the Codori Farm at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Here is a medium sized fragment from a fired US / CS 4.52" spherical shell found at the Codori farm after the fighting. Exterior of this cylindrical shell base exhibits a dark coloring and is in moderately pitted condition. This item identified by John Geiselman's contemporary inscribed labels.

Here is a thin fragment from the tapered tail section from a US 3" Schenkl shell as recovered from the Codori Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. This iron sliver of shell exterior exhibits a portion of one of the seven raised ribs on the tail. Piece measures approximately 3½" long. Never cleaned, the exterior of this base exhibits a pockmarked surface with moderate rusting and surface dirt. This remnant of a US Schenkl shell came from the Trostle Farm at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Here is a very nice fragment of a U.S. 4.52-inch spherical shot. Seldom do you see spherical shot fragmenting. Here is a wonderful example of a solid shot that has fragmenting. This relic has provenance to the David Plank Collection of Gettysburg Civil War items. Moderately pitted, this fragment consists of about ½ of a spherical shot; it weighs 5 pounds and is irregularly but attractively shaped. The shot has a nice dark gray/green/brown patina and has not been cleaned or otherwise fussed with. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing and would make an excellent display item for an artillery, Civil War, or Gettysburg collection.

Here is a fired and recovered U.S. 3-Inch Hotchkiss Canister Sabot Cup. It was found in relic condition in Gettysburg at the Little Round Top. Moderately pitted and encrusted with orange dirt, it measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and approximately ½ inches tall. This sabot was made of lead and was ordinarily marked on the bottom with the patent date; the lettering is mostly readable as "HOTC..ISS / 3 IN. / JAN'Y 7. / 1862", a jagged hole is over the "H" in HOTCHKISS. This sabot joined the canister at the groove at the base of the canister. Because this sabot was lead, it took to the rifling of the gun easily; for canisters, this was not good because the iron balls spread rapidly, thereby, reducing short-range effectiveness. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary tag.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Meas. 3" x 3". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Meas. 3.5" x 2". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Fragment is nose section where the fuse was screwed in; threads are visible. In relic condition with light surface rust. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Fired by Captain Elijah D. Taft's 5th New York Independent Battery, located along a ridge in Evergreen Cemetery near the Taneytown Road. In relic condition, with light surface rust. Meas. 2.75" x 2.75". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Middle section of this pattern shell with section of the raised rib. In relic condition with light surface rust. Meas. 3.75" x 1.25". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Meas. approx. 1" x 1". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Meas. approx. 2.5" x 1.75". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Small section of fragment from 3" projectile. These artifacts were recovered on the Peach Orchard many years after the battle. Identified in John Geiselman's museum by his contemporary inscribed labels.

Seldom do you encounter a spherical shot that has fragmented. This fragment came from a six pounder that was fired during the fighting of July 2nd by the batteries of Captain Lathaw and Garder. In relic condition, with light surface rust. Meas. 3" x 1.5" x 1". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

A very small section that has part of the raised bourreleted ring. Measures 2 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 5/8". In relic condition with light surface rust. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

In relic condition with moderate surface rust. Measures 2.25" x 2.5". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed labels.

In relic condition with moderate surface rust. Measures 3.5" x 2.25". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with moderate surface rust. Measures 3" x 1.75". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 2" x 2.25". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 1.5" x 2.25". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with moderate surface rust. Measures 2.75" x 2". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 2.25" x 1.25". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

A very small section of the bourreleted ring is visible along the tip of the fragment. In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 2.5" x 1.75". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 2" x 1.75". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

Over one-third of the nose intact with small section of fuse hole visible. Found in Reynolds' Woods area. In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 2.75" x 2". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with moderate surface rust. Measures 1.75" x 1.75". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with light surface rust. Measures 2" in diameter, .75" high. Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

In relic condition with moderate surface rust. Measures 2" x 2". Identified in John Geiselman's collection by his contemporary inscribed label.

Measures 3" x 1 3/4". This item was recovered on Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg shortly after the Battle, and was part of the Dr. Hill Collection. Has not been cleaned and is very attractive. This piece was identified in John Geiselman's collection by a contemporary inscribed label.

Recovered on the Spangler Farm on the Baltimore Pike, here is a medium-sized fragment from a U.S./CS 4.52" 12 lb. Spherical Shell. Never cleaned, exhibits a light coat of surface rust. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by a handwritten tag found inside the box of fragments. A copy of the tag will accompany the fragment.

This circular fragment of iron is from Federal 4.52" twelve-pound spherical shell recovered from the Spangler Farm on the Gettysburg battlefield sometime after the fighting. The iron shell fragment measures approximately 3½" long x 2½" wide. Fragment exhibits a small section of the threaded hole used to accept the Bormann fuse plug. Never cleaned, both the exterior and interior portions of this piece exhibit moderate rusting and some surface dirt. The remnant of this U.S. 12 pound spherical shell came from the Spangler Farm at Gettysburg and is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his own contemporary inscribed labels.

A nice example of a 3" rifled projectile found on the Spangler Farm on the Baltimore Pike. The iron fragment meas. 3" long x 2" wide. Never cleaned, light surface rust on the exterior and interior. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by a handwritten tag found inside the box of fragments. A copy of the tag will accompany the fragment.

This medium-sized artillery fragment is from a 3" rifled projectile that was found on the Spangler Farm on the Baltimore Pike. Never cleaned with a light coating surface rust. This fragment meas. 2" long x 1.5" wide. Identified in John Geiselman's museum collection by a handwritten tag found in a box of fragments. A copy of the tag will accompany the fragment.

This Schenkl percussion shell fragment was recovered from the Spangler Farm area on the Gettysburg battlefield. In relic condition, this fragment of artillery appears to be from the mid-portion of the shell and measures 4¼" long x 1½" at its widest point. Portions of two of the raised ribs show on the tailpiece. Never cleaned. Piece wears a coat of light rust and some surface dirt. This shell fragment is from the Spangler Farm in Gettysburg, identified by a handwritten tag f