Carcass (Incendiary Shell)

An incendiary artillery shell filled with a slow-burning flammable compound, fired from a mortar or cannon to set fire to an enemy ship’s rigging, sails, or hull. It was used mainly by naval and privateer vessels equipped with the specialized ordnance needed to fire it. Its purpose was to destroy rather than simply disable a target.

Quick Facts

Weapon TypeExplosive
Era Used18th-19th century
Range / UseShip-to-ship artillery

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