This is a 12 LBS Bormann Spherical Case Shot that was recovered on private property at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Missouri. This is the second artillery projectile to come out of a small collection of Missouri relics. The Battle of Wilson's Creek took place on 10 August, 1861 between Union forces commanded by General Nathaniel Lyons and Confederate forces Commanded by General Sterling Price. The battle is sometimes called the "Bull Run" of the west, and was considered a Confederate victory. Casualties were fairly even, with the Union suffering 258 killed in action and 873 wounded in action. The Confederate forces suffered 277 killed and 845 wounded in action. This projectile was recovered in the vicinity of the Sharps farm, located to the south west of what became known as "Bloody Hill". Confederate Cavalry had been camped along this line when Union artillery fire forced them to withdraw. The spherical case shot would have been very effective for this, as it was filled with shot, sometimes rifle and pistol balls, and was designed to explode in air and spray shrapnel and shot down on the enemy forces. The shell is in very good condition, obviously not exploding. It has a diameter of 4.52" and weighs 8.1 pounds. The shell has been drilled and deactivated, making it safe. It has been stabilized and painted black. The Bormann fuse is still complete and it looks as though the fuse was set for 3.5 seconds. A small flat has been ground onto the shell to enable it to sit flat. This will make a great desk top display item for your office, and it's an early war shell recovered back in the 1960's.

Item # AA1107

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