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Photographer: Craig Swain
Taken: September 17, 2007
Caption: 12-pounder Iron Field Howitzer
Additional Description: Most of the 12-pounders used at the battle were bronze. Iron was shunned after the 1830s for manufacture of smoothbore field artillery due to inconsistencies in the metal (but was used in the construction of larger garrison weapons). Faced with bronze shortages early in the war, many Confederate sources turned to iron again. The particular example here is noteworthy for both the metal used and the design. Unlike other field howitzers in this caliber, there is no "step" at the reinforce. Instead the barrel gradually blends into the reinforce, which expands to nearly a foot in diameter. The manufacture and source of this piece is unknown, and no markings are visible. It is possible but unlikely that this weapon was used by the Baltimore Battery.
Submitted: March 16, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Database Locator Identification Number: p18744
File Size: 1.484 Megabytes

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