Very rare fuse from a Rains torpedo (by definition, a mine), a 4 1/4" long iron fitting with threads and a stop nut fitted for insertion into the body of a powder-filled barrel, with a 2 1/2" extension which supported a contact plunger's shaft. This example was recovered from off the South Carolina coast. The Rains barrel or keg torpedo was designed to protect Confederate harbors and waterways. Barrels were coated inside and out with pitch, tar, or resin for waterproofing. The two conical ends were rough-cut pine for flotation, and the barrels themselves were filled with powder which was ignited by any one of the multiple percussion fuses fitted to the mine. These "torpedoes" sent more vessels to the bottom than all other Confederate weapons and ships combined.

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