CIVIL WAR GRAPE SHOT FROM THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

Iron, a little over 1" diameter. Collected after the battle in excellent preservation. 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. These are over 60 grams. Each about triple the weight of a lead musket ball and imparts about twice the energy upon impact. Each.