It has not yet been established exactly what it is for artillery rig that was found last Friday in connection with the renovation of the quay in central Vaxholm.
Erik Himmelstrand believes that it may be a grenade from the 1880s used in Kastellet’s fortress line.
– It was also used in exercises in a place where Vaxholm city is located, a place called the camp. At the camp height you had exercise shootings with such plays, says Erik Himmelstrand.
Was built to protect the inlet to Stockholm
The basis for Vaxholm’s fortress in the strait between Vaxholm and Rindö was built in the 16th century. Early on, the place’s strategic importance was realized and the need to protect the inlet to Stockholm.
The castle as it looks today was completed in 1863. But the technological development made the fortress the fortress soon out of date.
– You had gone from round balls to grooved cannon pipes and pointed projectiles that could be shot longer and had a higher penetrating ability, says Erik Himmelstrand.
Shredded the fortress’s stone walls – the defense moved
The new type of ammunition, which was tested in 1872, had great consequences.
– When you shot straight through the fortress wall, you were forced to cease to think that the castle could be a rear attachment anymore. Instead, a new strong attachment was built, Oscar-Fredriksborgs Fort, at the Ox Depth where the main danger to Stockholm goes today, says Erik Himmelstrand.