Artillery shell recovered near the Antietam Battlefield

This is really an interesting spherical artillery shell being offered; it weighs 8-pounds, 10-ounces, has a diameter of 4 1/8”, and a fuse hole with a 7/8” diameter (still has wooden plug). This shell was recovered on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, opposite Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This area saw a lot of action during the retreat from the Battle of Antietam. There was also artillery being used on both sides of the river.

The size and weight of this shell indicates that it would be a 9-pounder, however, I am unaware of any 9-pounder guns being used at the Battle of Antietam or the Battle of Shepherdstown, WV. Although, there is always the possibility of some local Militia unit having a 9-pounder.

During the Revolutionary War, Washington County, Maryland, was home to the Antietam Iron Furnace, a crucial producer of cannons, cannonballs, and grape shot for both the Maryland Council of Safety and the Continental Congress. Records show that they did manufacture 9 pound cannonballs, and this one could have been lost or dropped from a wagon during a shipment (see map).

Regardless, this is a very rare shell, and it is in nice condition. In my book “Civil War Artillery – A Pictorial Introduction”, I discuss a large variety of artillery ammunition and cannons, but at the time had no reference to this unusual example (see pictures). This would make a great addition to any Civil War or Artillery collection.