Maker

Charles T. James (Inventor)

Charles James was a Major-General in the Rhode Island State Militia. His interest in firearms led to the development of a rifled cannon and several artillery projectiles including the 12-pounder. His first projectile was patented on February 26, 1856, patent #14,315. On 16 October 1862, at Sag Harbor, New York, Charles James was conducting a demonstration of his projectiles to a group of foreign military officers. A workman tried to remove a cap from one of the shells with pliers and the projectile exploded. The workman died instantly and James died from his wounds the next day, 17 October 1862.

Dimensions / Weight

Dimensions: 7.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D

Physical Description

Forged metal projectile.

General History

The James shell was unique in that most serviceable guns, either of bronze or iron, could be rifled to fire a James projectile. Using the James system the gun was rifled with a gaining right-hand twist with shallow grooves and equal distance between the lands and grooves. The lands and grooves are flat and varied. The 12 pounder had 15 lands and grooves.