What is this? Hotchkiss? Need advice, please!

[Hawk707]

My sister and I have been cleaning out my dad's house (he recently passed away) and found what we think is a Hotchkiss? I've heard they can still explode, and we're not sure what to do with it. Right now it's sitting in his shed. I've attached pictures if anyone can tell me anything about it. Thanks!!

 

[UCVRelics]

It is a Hotchkiss and with the hole in the fuse end its not loaded. If you want to double check stick a pencil down the hole and see how far it goes. Then we will go from there.

 

[redbob]

You are correct in that it is a 3.67"Hotchkiss nose that took a paper fuse and as the hole is open, it may or may not have any powder in it. If in doubt, put it in a bucket of water, let it soak for a while, then pour it out and see what comes out.

 

[Hawk707]

It is a Hotchkiss and with the hole in the fuse end its not loaded. If you want to double check stick a pencil down the hole and see how far it goes. Then we will go from there.

OK, I will stick a pencil in there and let you know. Thanks

 

[Hawk707]

You are correct in that it is a 3.67"Hotchkiss nose that took a paper fuse and as the hole is open, it may or may not have any powder in it. If in doubt, put it in a bucket of water, let it soak for a while, then pour it out and see what comes out.

OK, so the water will defuse what powder may be left in there? Sorry, I'm still learning....

 

[UCVRelics]

OK, I will stick a pencil in there and let you know. Thanks

Just take a water hose and blow it out and see what comes out of it.

 

[redbob]

OK, so the water will defuse what powder may be left in there? Sorry, I'm still learning....

Look for powder or residue to come out and you are doing just fine on the learning curve.

 

[Salterr]

OK, so the water will defuse what powder may be left in there? Sorry, I'm still learning....

Yes it will greatly reduce the chance of the powder igniting if it's all wet. That should be enough so you can clean it out. Believe it or not these items at 160 years old can still detonate with dry powder in them. Years ago a relic dealer was killed while drilling a hole into an artillery piece. The heat produced from the drill bit is enough to ignite the remaining powder. Always be careful!

 

[Hawk707]

Yes it will greatly reduce the chance of the powder igniting if it's all wet. That should be enough so you can clean it out. Believe it or not these items at 160 years old can still detonate with dry powder in them. Years ago a relic dealer was killed while drilling a hole into an artillery piece. The heat produced from the drill bit is enough to ignite the remaining powder. Always be careful!

Yeah, I read that article, or one like it. I think I'm going to put it in water and just let it sit for awhile. Then see what comes out of it. It's a beautiful old relic, but it sure has me nervous! Lol.

 

[redbob]

Yeah, I read that article, or one like it. I think I'm going to put it in water and just let it sit for awhile. Then see what comes out of it. It's a beautiful old relic, but it sure has me nervous! Lol.

Then that is a good way to be.

 

[bayonet]

Yes it will greatly reduce the chance of the powder igniting if it's all wet. That should be enough so you can clean it out. Believe it or not these items at 160 years old can still detonate with dry powder in them. Years ago a relic dealer was killed while drilling a hole into an artillery piece. The heat produced from the drill bit is enough to ignite the remaining powder. Always be careful!

Was that the guy that when the EOD showed up they destroyed his whole collection to include solid shots which of course are no threat?

 

[redbob]

Was that the guy that when the EOD showed up they destroyed his whole collection to include solid shots which of course are no threat?

One was Sam White and the other was Lawrence Christopher.

 

[gjpratt]

I sure do miss Lawrence of Dalton.

 

[redbob]

I sure do miss Lawrence of Dalton.

Some of my best items came from him and I picked up an item from him the day before his incident.

 

[gjpratt]

Some of my best items came from him and I picked up an item from him the day before his incident.

Me too. I will have to show you sometime my spectacular dug (Dalton) Atlanta style CSA belt plate I got from him.

 

[redbob]

Me too. I will have to show you sometime my spectacular dug (Dalton) Atlanta style CSA belt plate I got from him.

I would love to see it and no doubt that it was easier to bring home than the 13" Mortar ball that I got from him. He told me that day that he had made the biggest score of his career

 

[redbob]

Me too. I will have to show you sometime my spectacular dug (Dalton) Atlanta style CSA belt plate I got from him.

I would love to see it and no doubt that it was easier to bring home than the 13" Mortar ball that I got from him. He told me that day that he had made the biggest score of his career and you have to wonder what it was.