1st Connecticut Artillery – Fredericksburg, Virginia – outlet Civil War Artifacts

outlet The view was reprinted from a photograph taken by A. J. Russell on May 2, 1863 of the 1st Connecticut Artillery on Stafford Heights, Virginia. Located across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, the Heights were used to shell the Confederate defenses in town. This action was part of the Chancellorsville Campaign and is considered the “Second” battle of Fredericksburg. The Federal forces were able to take the town and move on the Salem Church were they were eventually driven back.

Original artifacts excavated in a Federal artillery camp in Stafford County, Virginia. The camps there were located across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg. The Federal army camped here in the winter of 1862 – 1863 before and after the Battle of Fredericksburg. The artifacts include two standard “Eagle” buttons worn on the short shell jackets worn by the artillery branch of service and an artillery friction primer. The brass primer was used to fire the main charge in the artillery piece. On the back of the muzzle loading barrel is a “pritchel” hole that the primer would be inserted in. At one time there was a small wire loop on the short end and the lanyard string would be attached to. It worked like a striking a match. The gunner second from right in the picture is holding lanyard and preparing to fire. The term “spiking the gun” is in reference to the pritchel hole, if your battery was going to be over run by the opposing forces the gunner carried a few cut nails that he would drive into the hole making it impossible to fire. The artillery branch was not issued small arms but many carried their own personal revolvers. The lead bullet at left is for the .36 “Navy” Model Colt and used a paper cartridge. At right is a lead grapeshot that would have been inside the artillery shell. The white color or patina is due to oxidation in the ground.

The artifacts come as shown in an 8” x 12” “Riker” style glass top case which can be opened by taking the pins out. Riker cases can be hung on a wall, but are best used on a stand.

All of the artifacts are guaranteed to be original as stated. A hand signed and dated “Certificate of Authenticity” will be issued by Collectors Frame with a photograph and description of the items purchased.

Please see our "About Collectors Frame”, below the reviews on the front page, for more information on the framing and artifacts.
e2534