US/CS 6-pounder Civil War Bormann Artillery Shell, dug at Richmond

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War excavated US/CS 6-pounder Bormann shell. The zinc Bormann fuse is mostly gone, probably blown out with the explosion. At the bottom of the shell is a hole from when it was deactivated. The Confederacy and the Union did away with most 6-pounder guns by 1863. It was recovered years ago at Richmond, Virginia.

Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America for almost the entire Civil War. It was a vital source of weapons and supplies for the war effort, and the terminus of five railroads. Richmond was just one mile from the James River. Including inactive reserves, more than fifty thousand soldiers from each side took part in the constant fighting around Richmond.

The Union made many attempts to invade Richmond. In the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, General George McClellan moved up the James River, almost to the suburbs of the city, but was beaten back by Robert E. Lee in the Seven Days Battles. By April 1865, the Confederate government realized the siege of Petersburg was almost over and abandoned Richmond lest they be captured. The retreating Confederates chose to burn military supplies rather than let them fall into Union hands; the resulting fire destroyed much of central Richmond.

This is one of those rounds fired from the hundreds of guns from both sides around Richmond. There is a small hole near the bottom where the shell was professionally deactivated and now 100% safe. I show a view of a half-shell to show what the interior would look like (see pictures). The shell is in very nice condition, with no chipping or flaking. A light coat of varnish was applied for preservation. The 6-pounder Bormann shells are very rare, being the limited manufacture and discontinued use by both sides. This is a great shell, ready for display.