" Man The Brooke!"

8 September 1863

Confederate artillerymen run to man the powerful 7" Treble-banded Brooke Rifle in Battery Marion, part of the harbor defenses for Charleston, SC. Designed by Commander John M. Brooke, CS Navy, this gun could penetrate eight inches of iron at 500 yards. The USS Weehawken caused a magazine explosion, killing eighteen, in nearby Fort Moultrie that morning. Damaged during the battle, the Brooke's gunners hope their gun will hold for one more shot as Federal monitors Weehawken, Montauk and Passaic approach.

"I can sense a pride in you from our conversations that belies the attitude, 'I will create the best painting I can, or I won't do it at all'..." The signature Battery Marion palmetto looks so life-like. The mud bricks of the gun chamber and the bottom-side-up sod of the traverses displays a knowledge of 19th century fortress construction. The upper gun carriage looks fantastic!! Anyone would expect Fort Sumter to be there, but the inclusion of Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg will impress even a jaded Civil war buff."...

Regards,  Tracy Kunze - Seacoast Artillery Company

  "...immersed in maritime history..."

   Artist Matt Sheaffer is an avid scuba diver and maritime history enthusiast. He produces about three paintings a year, each with a limited number of giclée prints. The artist wishes to thank Seacoast Artillery Company for the commission of this work.

300 Limited Edition Giclée Prints / Signed and numbered by the artist

  Each 22" x 12" print includes certificate of authenticity with history summary

  *Original and print pricing presented below.