Large Artillery Fragment

Large Artillery Shell Fragment from Antietam Campaign. Click photo and "Detailed Description"

This is a large section of a 24-pound Artillery Shell. It measures approximately 6” x 4 ½” and weights about 2 ½ pounds. This particular shell was a “Case-shot”, and one of the lead balls still remains fused to the inside. This shell was fired during the Antietam Campaign, and was recovered in the Potomac River next to Shepherdstown. It was found in the area where the 118^th Pennsylvania Infantry came under heavy attack.

 

The 118th Pennsylvania was known as the “Corn Exchange” Regiment because a bounty of $10 for each man, as well as the funds necessary for raising the regiment, were furnished by the Corn Exchange Association in Philadelphia.

 

Assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps, it reached Antietam on September 16, but was held in reserve during the ensuing engagement. At Blackford's Ford, near Shepherdstown, it saw its first fight on September 20, and lost 282 men out of a strength of 800. It was reported that the Enfield rifles which they were issued, were inferior and malfunctioned. Several officers were among those killed or wounded. A number drowned in the Potomac River trying to escape from a sudden counterattack by the division of A.P. Hill. Colonel Provost was made brevet brigadier general for gallantry in this battle.

 

This unique and historically important piece is in very nice condition and is marked “Shepherdstown”, and has been coated with a varnish for preservation. This would make a great addition to an Antietam or Artillery collection.