FROM THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SERIES. Confederate 12 Pound Napoleon & Crew. Canister is an anti-personnel, light artillery load that turned the cannon into an enormous shotgun. Canister was just that, a metal can which contained many small iron round-shot or lead musket balls. When fired, the can disintegrated scattering the shot throughout the enemy personnel.
Another round, "grapeshot" was similar, but with the shot being of a larger caliber and contained in a canvas bag. It acquired its moniker from its resemblance to a cluster of grapes on the vine contained in the bag. Effective at medium to close range, these munitions were mostly used defensively, but found limited use as an opening gambit to soften up enemy formations.
This item is in the category "Toys & Games\Toy Soldiers\Britains". The seller is "mklmodels" and is located in this country: GB.