U.S. 3½-Inch Hotchkiss Shell Fort Boykin Recovery – Ex Mac Mason Collection The VERY FIRST Mac Mason Shell!!! 

Description

U.S. 3½-Inch Hotchkiss Shell 

Fort Boykin Recovery – Ex Mac Mason Collection 

The VERY FIRST Mac Mason Shell!!! 

 

A powerful and visually striking example of a U.S. regulation 3½-inch Hotchkiss percussion shell, recovered from the Confederate defenses at Fort Boykin near Smithfield, Virginia. This classic Hotchkiss pattern—one of the most widely issued Federal rifled projectiles—retains its unmistakable profile, with the three-part construction still evident despite a deeply pitted, combat-recovered surface. 

 

The shell was excavated from the vicinity of Fort Boykin, a strategically important position guarding the approaches along the James River during the Peninsula Campaign and subsequent operations. Artillery engagements in this sector saw extensive use of rifled ammunition, making such recoveries both historically significant and highly desirable. 

 

Most notably, the base is hand-marked and signed by noted relic hunter and author Mac Mason, identifying this as the very first shell he recovered—an extraordinary point of provenance linking the piece directly to one of the most recognizable figures in Civil War relic hunting. Mason’s contributions to the hobby, both in the field and through his published works and painted projectiles, have made his name synonymous with early and influential artifact recovery. 

 

The shell has been professionally rendered inert, with the base cup now removable/detachable, allowing examination of its construction. The exterior displays a rich, untouched excavation patina with bold, period-style display lettering further enhancing its visual appeal. A rare opportunity to acquire a battlefield-recovered Hotchkiss shell with exceptional provenance and direct association to Mac Mason. 

 

 

Mac Mason – Renowned Authority on Civil War Artillery Projectiles 

 

Mac Mason is widely recognized within the field of Civil War ordnance collecting as both a pioneering researcher and one of the most influential early artists to accurately depict artillery projectiles. Active during the formative years of relic collecting, Mason developed a reputation for his meticulous hand-painted renderings of shells, fuzes, and artillery types—works that were not only visually striking but grounded in careful study of original specimens. 

 

His illustrations became an essential reference for collectors at a time when reliable information was scarce. Mason’s paintings documented variations in shell patterns, sabot types, fuse configurations, and manufacturer distinctions, helping to establish a visual language that collectors and researchers still rely upon today. Many of these works circulated among advanced collectors and were later incorporated into published materials, further cementing his role in shaping the study of Civil War artillery. 

 

In addition to his artistic contributions, Mason was also a published author, contributing to the early body of literature on Civil War projectiles. His research and documentation helped standardize identification practices and brought greater academic rigor to what had previously been a loosely organized field. 

 

Today, Mac Mason is remembered as both a chronicler and interpreter of Civil War artillery—his work bridging the gap between artifact and understanding, and leaving a lasting imprint on the study and appreciation of period ordnance. 

 

Inventory Number: ART 483