A Civil War Era Canister Shot.

A Civil War Era Canister Shot.

munitions

Cannons

Ammunition

Canister Shot

This is a Confederate 12 Pounder Canister Shot. It is similar to the one used to quell the rioters at the Cooper Street Armory during the Boston Draft Riot. But, at Cooper Street a 6-pound canister shot was used, half the size of this one. Canister shot effectively functions like a shotgun shells, dispersing several musket balls into the field of fire at once. It essentially turns the cannon into a massive shot gun.

National Museum of Health and Science

National Museum of Health and Science

National Museum of Health and Science

1860-1865

Brian Valimont

National Museum of Health and Science

photograph

English

still image

1860-1865

photograph

unknown