12-Pounder Bormann-Fused Spherical Shell

This item is a spherical cast iron artillery projectile, commonly known as a 12-pounder shell, dating back to the American Civil War era (circa 1861-1865). The projectile is hollow, designed originally to be filled with black powder and iron shrapnel. A prominent feature is the large recessed circular opening at the top, which was manufactured to receive a Bormann time fuse—a thin metal alloy disc used to set the explosion time after firing. The surface of the iron exhibits significant pitting and oxidation, consistent with being buried or exposed to the elements for over a century, resulting in a dark, textured brown and black patina. The spherical body appears generally intact but shows signs of iron rot and scaling typical of recovered relics. The absence of the soft metal fuse indicates it was likely removed or deteriorated. Such ordinance was a staple of the Model 1841 Mountain Howitzer and the Model 1857 12-Pounder Napoleon field guns. Extreme caution is always advised with such relics as they can occasionally still contain dormant explosive filler if not professionally deactivated.