Item Number: A00716

Item Title: Wonderful Grand Gulf Read

Price: $640

Shipping: Not included

Provenance: CS

Type: Read

Size: 3.67 Inch Caliber (20 Pounder)

Sabot: Thick Copper Ring

Fuse: Wood Fuse Adapter (Missing)

Book:
Dickey and George (1993 Edition) Page 284

Location Recovered: Grand Gulf, Mississippi

Description:This pattern of Read is found almost exclusively at Grand Gulf, Mississippi. Grand Gulf is where Grant crossed the Mississippi River below Vicksburg to begin his march on Jackson and then back to Vicksburg where eventually the siege started. The Confederates had a fort sitting high on the bluffs that was taken by the gunboats and army. A number of these shells were found years ago in a cache at the fort which is now a state park. Many were on display in the park museum but some made it into collectors hands and this is one of them.

The iron on this shell is really good and you can clearly see the lathe marks on the body. We often see 10-lber Reads that look similar and they are sometimes referred to as 'sleeved Reads' due to the appearance of a sleeve on the shell body but this is really more like a large bourrelet. The recessed area at the bottom is not turned and still has the sand cast appearance. There are a few spots that appear to have had air bubble under the surface and while buried it appears they started to raise from water accumulating in the pocket. I've had this shell in my collection for over 15 years and it has stayed quite solid with no flaking. You can clearly see the spot where the lathe lug was broken off as well.

The unfired copper sabot is really thick and in great shape. You can make out the faint lathe marks. It could be made a shiny copper sabot if the buyer wanted.

The fuse hole is quite clean and appears to have had a wood fuse removed from it by a prior owner. A replacement would easily fit into it.

This shell displays wonderfully and I have no doubt would become a favorite in your collection. It really has a nice look to it. There aren't many out there so don't miss this chance to have a nice one. I've only seen a few for sale over the years.

This shell has been disarmed, cleaned and coated.