Civil War Artillery 12-pounder Shell Fragment, recovered at Excelsior Field (Peach Orchard) Gettysburg

I was fortunate to acquire a large collection of original Gettysburg Battlefield relics. They are all well documented with great provenance – I even got back some relics which I sold many years ago. Most of the items offered are artillery or bullet related. Being offered is a 12-pounder spherical artillery shell fragment measuring 3 ¾” x 2” and weighing almost 1-pound. It was recovered by local resident John Cullison in the 1950s – 1960s from Excelsior Field, which is part of the Peach Orchard.  Eventually it was acquired by the Rosensteel family.

The Rosensteel Collection is arguably the most famous collection of Gettysburg relics that have ever existed. John Rosensteel opened his Round Top Museum of Gettysburg artifacts in 1888. The collection, which grew in size as a variety of local collections, such as Cullison’s, was acquired and became the nucleus of the Electric Map Museum collection and ultimately the Gettysburg National Park Museum and Visitor Center collection.

A 1964 advertisement for the Gettysburg National Museum (Electric Map Museum) notes that the John Cullison collection was part of the museum holdings. This Gettysburg artifact not only has wonderful provenance, but it was also found at one of the most famous locations on the battlefield.

As General Sickles Union line broke, Confederates knocked General Graham off his horse and captured him as a prisoner. The “Excelsior Brigade” of New York regiments were positioned in the Peach Orchard and along the road – thus being referred to after that as “Excelsior Field” (see pictures).

Although not exactly a very rare piece by itself, the recovery location is the driving force of the value. This is only the second Excelsior Field piece I have had in the past 30+ years. It was pricey to begin with, not to mention its provenance and nice size. This is a solid piece in very nice condition and coated for preservation.  A certificate of authenticity will be provided with this artifact.