Civil War Guns

Of the treatment for the wounded available even in the last months of the War , Adams had little praise. He was taken to another part of the field where he lay without shelter, almost unnoticed among the hundreds of other wounded collected there. So diligent was the North in certain aspects of the blockade that medicines and drugs were “countraband.” The “Anaconda” systematically prevented shipments of drugs and surgical instruments to the South, a “measure which did not shorten the conflict by a day, but cost the Southern troops untold agony,” as Allen Nevins observes in his essay “The Glorious and the Terrible” Saturday Review, September 2, 1961 . Adams had been among the lucky; he had been operated on under benefit of chloroform anesthetic. When he came to, “Of what happened about me during this ten or eleven days that I lay on this part of the Wilderness battlefield, I have but a vague rememberance. It seems like a horrid nightmare. The groans and complaints of the wounded suffere...

Dr. Paul Steiner, writing in Military Medicine, May, 1956 , gives some interesting notes on head injuries, evidently at relatively low velocities. “Was it worth while having men with head wounds carried from the field?” was a topic of interest to surgeons in the spring of 1864 . Brigadier General Alexander S. Webb and Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth discussed the matter; both were to fall victim of head wounds, Wadsworth to die, Webb to remember and to write about it. Matthew Brady’s ubiquitous bright rifle musket adds incongruous note to grim lesson of  War : the silent brutality of  death which the living too soon forget. Bounding lazily like  a ball, spent 12-pounder shell has disembowled Federal soldier.

Howard noticed that round balls made a seemingly more severe wound, greater comminution of bone. The word describes bone made small or fine as by grinding. What was overlooked by Howard but not ignored in the official histories of Civil War medicine was the shattering effect sometimes found in Minie wounds which caused a wound much more severe than the neat entrance-exit holes other times observed. For when the round ball hit, it sheared and chopped its way through the leg; when the Minie hit with enough speed, the bone might be split and shattered into large fragments, each one of which proceeded off in a direction roughly spherical to the point of impact, causing severe secondary lacerations. Howard’s views are interesting; they were not authoritative for diagnosis. If the word is not challenged as inappropriate, the subject of death had its wryly humorous aspect. One was in the oft-repeated “accident” of getting one’s foot knocked off by a cannon ball. Though slow moving, less th...

Considerable brain power was spent in studying this new aspect of medicine on the battlefield. At best an inexact science, medicine had no quick answers for the changed diagnosis and prognosis for Minie wounds, but doctors North and South were probing the problem. Surgeon E. Lloyd Howard, 27th Regiment North Carolina, Cooke’s Brigade, published a thought-provoking if not entirely correct study of the matter in the Confederate States Medical and Surgical Journal, June, 1864 : Art. VI—The Effects of Minie Balls on Bone.

A few of the Regular Army medical officers had some experience in the Mexican War and Indian border incidents. Others had observed combat casualties or served as volunteers in the Crimea. City surgeons knew gunshot wounds from the police clientele, or gentleman duellists. But prompt diagnosis of the extent of injury, skillful surgery, the initiative and ingenuity to use poor instruments or ill-adapted apparatus, and the techniques of dressing in the prospect of long delays before bandages could be renewed—in all these skills the new Army medics were weak. Fortunately (for the less-severely wounded) the wellinformed military surgeons were often in positions where they could help instruct the volunteers, and the current works of medical literature were relied upon. The most valuable instruction was a series of pocket manuals issued by the Sanitary Commission on the more important operations, camp and field diseases. Indeed, except for the Bull Run casualties and a few injuries from oc...

Not all the explosive wounds were caused by gunpowder-filled musket shells. Little understood at the time, though recent research has shed some light on the subject, was the existence of a temporary wound cavity of enormous proportions during the passage of the bullet. This temporary cavity was caused by a transfer of energy from the bullet point tangent to the body, to the fluids of the body. Since water is incompressible, the result is to accelerate the water, hence the flesh, rapidly away from the projectile due to the lighter inertia of the body tissue. This energy imparted to the tissue caused development of a cavity which expanded to many times the size of the bullet, flexing several times as the elasticity of the muscle fibers tried to restrict the cavity against the force of the energy-transferred fluids. The effect was to cause a secondary rending and tearing of the flesh. The passing of the bullet excavated, by physically destroying flesh equal to the diameter of the bullet...

The use of explosive ball ammunition in rifles has an interesting history. Such projectiles were definitely not anti-personnel missiles. The bullet was hollow, with a cavity filled with a few grains of black powder. Sometimes a conventional percussion nipple was fitted into the nose, recessed below the curve or ogive of the tip. A percussion cap was put on the nipple. Since this cap was below the level of the bullet, the projectile was not set off when it was rammed home. Or, as in the original Jacobs rifle, the ramrod was recessed inside for clearance. British General Jacobs, of the East India Service, is recorded as being a pioneer in the practical application of explosive shell to small arms. While no Jacobs Rifles were obtained for regular issue by either side in the War , a digression on this famous rifle is worthwhile Col. M. B. Walker, U.S., gave order for his brigade to charge after firing volley with bayonets fixed. In distance, Rebel  skirmishers were deployed in th...

The most common cause of death was tetanus, lockjaw, indirectly, from gunshot wounds. Not all gunshots were immediately fatal. Some were complicated by bacterial contamination, often introduced into the wound later. For example, at First Manassas, where wounded were put into a farm shed or barn lively with the manure of generations of horses, the dread lockjaw was omnipresent. Yet an equally bloody battle, Shiloh or Pittsburgh Landing, had far fewer tetanus casualties; almost none. This was occasioned by the kind of soil they fought over. In the East, fields worked for seasons were dangerous with tetanus. In the West, the virgin land along the Mississippi had its share of dangers, but tetanus was one of the least of them. Gunshot wounds reflected the changing armament of the times. One survey of 4,002 Union cases of gunshot wounds of the scalp broke down as follows: 2,612 were reported at “conoidal musket ball” or high velocity Minie-Burton type; 384 as round musket ball at low velo...

But to the large, easily-probed holes gouged out of living flesh by round slow-moving blobs of lead of 3/4-inch diameter, a new dimension had been added— the Minie ball. At nominal ranges, velocities were higher and were better sustained than with the round bullets. Terminal velocity—which is the dispassionate name that the ballistician gives to the “thwack” that to the living is the sound of death—terminal velocities were higher. Methods of preserving cadavers from the battlefield for study did not exist; nor would it have been a socially acceptable practice to explore the bloated mounds of flesh for causes of death. Better to bury them, sometimes without identification in mass graves, and turn your talents toward succoring the living, Doctor.

Accordingly, conferences were set up, through the insistence of the N.R.A. Gun Collector committee and the newly appointed Gun Collector staffman, C. Meade Patterson, to solve some of these perplexities. The result was an amendment to the code which exempted arms “not firing fixed metallic ammunition.” This at one stroke simply and conclusively exempted the whole sweep of collector arms. As Patterson said in an address before the Wisconsin Gun Collectors Association that year, “So now all you collectors don’t have to hide away your shoulder stocked Dragoon Colts.” While Meade charitably made it appear that the members were in possession of vast hordes of stocked Dragoons, I knew positively that the effort of the majesty of Congress in revising that bill had been in favor of perhaps five or ten collectors in the country who owned the surviving few genuine stocked Dragoon Colts, and the slightly larger group which owned the Army 1860 fluted cylinder pistols with stocks. I felt this wa...

The evolution of Centennial Arms Corporation to its present position of volume producer of quality hardware was not without its “moments.” The models supplied to Centaure were two: a mint parts-assembled First regular Armys had plain cylinders but engraving was  added copying Colt-type ship scene at about time silver plated  handle “Civilian Model” was added to line late in  1960 . A fluted  cylinder model with attachable shoulder stock was made for  sale after National Rifle Association had laws changed regarding stocked pistols.

“You can have anything you want made in the gun shops in Brescia,” our friend told us. “What shall we make?” Val asked me. “The Navy Colt can be made for $20 in Germany; maybe it can be made for the same or less here,” I replied. On a handshake a deal was made and Navy Arms Company came into being. I was to supply the model and get the business going, for I had ways of transferring the pistol to Italy quickly and could follow up on the manufacturing details. A full study was prepared by me of manufacturing all parts of the Navy Colt. Since I possess the first prototype and the first production model I flatter myself that their attention to the fitting of the lock work, the “lock timing,” is a consequence of translation and study of my manufacturing prospectus. The document included sketches of possible manufacturing set-ups, photos of engraved guns, and drawings of engraving layouts on the pistols. Meanwhile, we tried to mail a Navy Colt to Brescia. The pistol was borrowed from a co...

It is true that this argument applied to currency is the motive behind the suppression of counterfeiting. Issuing additional paper money tends to debase the original issue in value. Whether issuing, say, 6,500 fluted-cylinder Army Colts by copies in this century debases the value of the genuine pistol made in 1860 In Brescian shop of Vittorio Gregorelli fine Italian hands  put together copies of Colt Navy revolvers. Workman standing takes whisker of metal off brass “Reb” backstrap while  man with file shapes curve of  1851  barrel frame.

Lack of  War  surplus shooting  irons, such as Bannerman once sold,  sparked renaissance of percussion  firearms fabrication on mass scale  in Italy and Belgium in late  1950 s.  Arms shown are products from the  firms Navy Arms Co. and Centennial Arms Corp., both productions  being set up abroad by author. Among Civil War arms collectors there is no controversy quite so strong as that of the manufacture of replica Civil War arms. Recognizing, understanding, and sympathizing with collector friends who are opposed to this trade, I have to say that I am not in complete accord with their doctrines. The “advanced collector” argues that he is jealous of the genuine value of his genuine rare guns. He believes that the value of the genuine articles into which he has put money as much for “investment” as for collecting love, is harmed by the production of numerous copies.

The power launch which had brought us across the Hudson from Cornwall, New York, churned nearer to Polopel Island. I could see the square mass of the castellated warehouse looming out of the morning haze. The breakwater was awash with the tide, but we rounded the long southern arm and chugged between the guard turrets, passed a worn sign which proclaimed “Keep Out—Explosives—Armed Guards.” In quiet excitement I waited for the boatman to bring the launch alongside the wharf. I could wait patiently. Along with millions of passengers on the New York Central’s water level route up the Hudson, along with thousands of gun collectors who know the fabulous Bannerman arms business and its incredible catalog (which after 90 years is still a standard reference work for gun students)—I, too, had long wondered “What’s on Bannerman Island?”

But in between this brisk business someone stepped in and put a halt to the fun: Ordnance Office, War Department Washington, January 23, 1871 Major S. Crispin, Corner Houston and Greene Streets, New York The President directs that sales of ordnance and ordnance stores be discontinued. Acknowledge receipt. A. B. Dyer, Chief of Ordnance The same day Dyer sent a follow-up clarifying telegram, saying that Crispin could deliver all stores sold previous to his receipt of the Presidential stop-sale telegram. This led to some loop-hole searching. Smith, Crosby & Company had put up margin for Parrott rifled field batteries, which purchase they had transferred to C. K. Garrison. Crispin sought to deliver to Garrison a suitable quantity of ammunition. To his and Dyer’s surprise, J. Schuyler Crosby declined to receive the ammunition, saying he did not want it. In another instance, Alfred Steinberger had put up margin and been awarded 6,300 Enfield rifles in October, 1870 ,...

Undaunted by the possibility of disapproval of his Remington purchase, Poultney kept at the Ordnance Department, seeking more arms. He was a heavy purchaser of all types of surplus equipment, and some not so surplus. He preferred National Armory products, new make or rebuilt. Learning that the Armory had been conducting experiments in rebuilding Spencer carbines into rifles, fitted with Springfield “Eagle-V-P” barrels and new forestocks, he tried to buy them. His expectations were not unfounded. Silas Crispin, now a brevet colonel, was on duty as usual in New York, office at Houston and Greene streets. To General Dyer, Chief of Ordnance, on January 6, 1871 , he telegraphed: “Benton has 500, more or less, Spencer rifles on hand. Please authorize sale at 30 dollars.” Replied Dyer, “Sell Spencers at 30 dollars each.” The demand continued, and Crispin wired Washington again, the afternoon of the 7th, seeking to learn if the Navy had any Spencers. Dyer fired back at once: “Commander Navy ...

The Navy Department had ordered 10,000 rifles to be built at Springfield Armory on the Remington Rolling Block breech-loading system, .50 caliber. These arms were finished with casehardened frames, and blued 32%-inch round barrels, of Springfield Model 1868 type, rifled with three broad grooves, and fitted under the muzzle with a stud for attaching the fishscale brass hilted sword bayonet. The fore stock is held by two spring-bands. As first issued, this rifle had the rear sight mounted quite close to the receiver, over the chamber. The Secretary of the Navy condemned these rifles and Thomas Poultney made an offer to buy them from Springfield Armory, paying the Navy a sum equal to the fabrication cost of 12,000 more rifles with the rear sights properly located.

Invitations for proposals to bid on Ordnance supplies were sent out October 12 by General A. B. Dyer, Chief of Ordnance, to A. B. Steinberger, John Absterdam, and Remington & Sons, as follows: Sealed proposals, to be opened at the Ordnance Office at 12 m. tomorrow, October 13, are hereby invited for the purchase of Two hundred thousand Springfield muskets, new; 110,000 Springfield muskets, serviceable and in good order, .58 caliber, muzzle-loaders, with 150 rounds of ammunition for each gun; 40,000 Enfield muskets, new more or less; 40,000 Enfield muskets, cleaned and repaired; 30,000 Enfield muskets, unserviceable. Bids will be entertained for any one of the above lots of arms, with ammunition for the same, and the privilege is reserved of rejecting any bid that may not be deemed sufficient. A margin of 20 per cent must be paid at the time of the award by any and all bids, and the residue upon the delivery of the stores.

The realities of the case are interesting, by contrast with the later events in disposing of the Civil War surplus. The cabinet’s decision to stop shipping arms to France was at the insistence of the State Department, which felt that the fact the United States was known to be supplying guns on an “official” basis to one of the belligerents would endanger our relations with the other power, Germany. At that time a weak imperialistic nation emerging from a heterogeneous confederation of princely states, the Germany of Kaiser Bill might have been postponed a generation by a more active aid of the United States to our sister republic France. If France, with publicly avowed assist- ance of Uncle Sam, had been able to throw back the German invasion of 1870 , a defeated Germany would not have been in such a strong position in 1914 . The Great War would have, instead, been of the minor magnitude of the Franco-Prussian War , and the global devastation of World War II might have been confin...