Skip to main content
Object Number 2004.29.12933
Display Title Cranium with gunshot wound, left side
Descriptions
Object Description Written on board: "European / 43 C / See Over"; printed on card adhered to verso: "Extensive fractures of a skull by a pistol ball. / History: A subject, with the integuments of the head and body in their natural condition, was laid with its back upon a / table. A pistol was fired at the head, at a distance of from twelve to fifteen feet, and made a woulnd on its left side. The pistol / had a rifled barrel nine and three-quarter inches long; its calibre was .30 of an inch; a round ball was used, weighing forty-six / grains. Autopsy: The ball entered below the centre of the left parietal bone, and was found flattened close to the petrous / portion of the left temporal bone, which showed signs of its impact; from the bullet hole, fractures extended in various direc- / tions, which communicated with others on the" (continued under remarks)
Department Photographic
Date October 12, 1869
Artist Haines
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
North America / United States
Dimensions Overall: 6.985 × 7.62 cm (2 3/4 × 3 in.)

Important Note about Historical Language

Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.