Springfield Armory National Historic Site - Springfield Arsenal artillery in Shays's Rebellion (U.S. National Park Service)

Saratoga National Historical Park, US NPS

A field gun, like the one seen here in the foreground, could fire solid shot, shell, or grape shot. The howitzer, pictured in the background, was a short, large-bore weapon that could fire only shell and grape shot. Both were used by militia against Shays's men as the rebels stormed Springfield Arsenal on January 25th, 1787, leaving four dead and many wounded.

courtesy: West Point Museum, West Point, NY

EARLY FEDERAL QUILTED GRAPE SHOT (original is 8" long) had a wooden base with a rod around which lead or iron balls were placed. Enclosed in canvas, the assembly was bound in heavy twine giving it a distinctive quilted look. Early tests, circa 1810, in a 3-pounder gun showed it effective at 400-500 yards. Simular grape shot was fired many times against Shays rebels.

Howitzers were capable of delivering rapid heavy blasts of antipersonnel shot and cannister. The howitzer firing on the charging Shays rebels at Springfield Arsenal on January 25th, 1787, turned the tide of battle in favor of the defending militia.

French brass gun, on its original carriage, at Springfield Armory, circa 1860

Springfield Armory NHS Archives, US NPS

This French field gun, seen here about 1860 standing before the Main Arsenal [where the Museum entrance now is] at Springfield Armory, is one of those likely brought to Springfield Arsenal during the Revolutionary War. The original carriage is possibly one made here 1777-82. The wheels are later replacements.

"CLICK" here to see late 18^th Century images of the types of field guns and howitzers used at Springfield Arsenal in the repulse of Shays’s rebels, January 25^th, 1787.

"CLICK" here to learn more about Springfield Armory NHS's 18thC French 4-pounder field gun pictured to the right.