Civil War Hotchkiss Artillery Round - ATX Goes Deep

[N.O. noir et d'or]

I dug the pictured Hotchkiss round in the woods of Alabama the other day. I measured the depth at 29 inches. If there is little trash in an area, which hasn't seen much human activity over the years, the ATX will easily hit on deep iron. It's missing its sabot and base plate, but the percussion fuse has a nice patina. I've attached a few photos of the round and one of the hole minus several layers of tough roots! There's also an attempt at a "selfie" of me (ugly but happy mug) and the round. Thanks for viewing, Dan

 

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[CASPER-2]

 

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[DigIron2]

where was this post hiding?Sa-weet find!I don't think there is anything more exciting to find then a shell,exspeacialy when you start getting down to it and realize what you are unearthing. Congrats

 

[DigIron2]

Nice find! Think I'm going to start digging iron on purpose now.

That big deep iron sounds good anyway,why not?Of course with a shell ya might have to listen for that slight sound

 

[OtakuDude]

Thanks OD and I appreciate your concern. CW artillery rounds are very stable and unless one exposes the round to a heat source or tries to render inert without the correct knowledge, there won't be any issues. Although, subsequent to the CW, changes were made to US artillery rounds that resulted in their being less stable over time. I definitely would stay away from any and all of that such ordnance!

Thanks for the info. Living near Chicago as I do, I've never had the chance to dig anything from the CW so I had no idea how stable shells from that era are.

As it is, the most volatile thing I've dug up is the occasional dropped shotgun shell. lol

 

[Goldiver]

Super cool Hotchkiss, deep one too! Congratulations!

Steve

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

Thanks for the info. Living near Chicago as I do, I've never had the chance to dig anything from the CW so I had no idea how stable shells from that era are.

As it is, the most volatile thing I've dug up is the occasional dropped shotgun shell. lol

Oh, I've dug a number of those as well! It is an advantage living in the Deep South to have access to some Civil War sites. Our other "advantages" are extreme heat, poisoness snakes, every kind of stinging insect and tons of poison ivy!!! Again thanks for your initial concern. Dan

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

Super cool Hotchkiss, deep one too! Congratulations!

Steve

Thanks Steve! Definitely worth the trouble!

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

where was this post hiding?Sa-weet find!I don't think there is anything more exciting to find then a shell,exspeacialy when you start getting down to it and realize what you are unearthing. Congrats

Thanks DI! You hit the nail on the head. There aren't too many things better than digging a really deep target in anticipation of being a complete shell.

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

That's a great find I'm sure your first signal was a little blip or beep. Those are in my opinion the best indicators of a relic hunters skill! I think we both know the answer to the question about explosion risk.

Thanks DV! You're exactly right re the first small signal. Although, not to have other trash in the area is a big help as well. There's nothing like digging half of an old metal bucket for over an hour!

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

Nice find! Think I'm going to start digging iron on purpose now.

Thanks LK! Good idea, but it can be frustrating to cut through several layers of roots to find an old can! Nature of the beast I suppose to find the good ones.

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

I have one in mint condition passed down from generations.......I would love to find and dug one

This was my third RJW. I would love to have a mint one. I'm going to restore it as close as I can.

 

[N.O. noir et d'or]

awesome find

Many thanks Mark!