What were Wired Naval Shells?

[DaveBrt]

November 2, 1863 news report from Charleston reports the Union monitors were firing 15" shells and rifled wired shells, 19" long and 6 1/2" long.

What were wired shells?

 

[UCVRelics]

November 2, 1863 news report from Charleston reports the Union monitors were firing 15" shells and rifled wired shells, 19" long and 6 1/2" long.

What were wired shells?

They could be referring to the Wiard guns?

 

[redbob]

A long Parrott 100# (6.4") shell would closely fit these dimensions.

 

[DaveBrt]

They could be referring to the Wiard guns?

"wired" is a misunderstanding of "Wiard" -- maybe. Were Wiards mounted on a monitor?

 

[Joe Whitworth]

They could be referring to the Wiard guns?

I think you are right.

 

[redbob]

I think you are right.

As far as I know, Wiard guns only came in 6 & 12 pound sizes.

 

[Seduzal]

This is what I found on a Wizard gun! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiard_gun.jpg