Balls, Canister - Arkansas Post
Object number2001.006.28.2-4
Date1860
Mediummetal
Dimensions5/8in diameter (1.4 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
A canister is a cylinder made of tin, iron, or sometimes lead, with a removable thin iron top. A heavy iron plate was most often located between the canister balls and the wooden sabot at the bottom. The cylinder contained metal balls, made or iron or lead, which were arranged in rows. Sawdust was used to fill the space in between these balls. The edges of the walls, made of tinned sheet iron, were bent over the iron plate to help keep the canister contents in place. The canister was designed to be used in close range against enemy troops with devastating results.
Status
Not on view
