CIVIL WAR GRAPE SHOT FROM THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

Iron, a little over 1 1/2” diameter, larger than average, and used against cavalry charges. Collected in the decades after the battle with their good form preserved and surface textured from burial. Purchased from Schindler’s Antiques, King Street, Charleston, SC in the 1980s. Grapeshot or canister shot (indistinguishable after firing) was used both on land and at sea to decimate closely grouped enemies. When used against cavalry, the greatest casualties were inflicted against the horses. Larger than a musket ball and about six times the weight, these expended tremendous energy upon impact and could tear an arm or leg off a charging cavalryman or drop his horse dead beneath him.  Have 2. Each.