1916. Indian Head, Maryland. Navy proving ground. Residence of George Swann, damaged by 16-inch shell that hit another in sandbank, and was deflected over country at 3/4 angle. The shell, where it stopped in dooryard. Harris & Ewing Collection glass negative, Library of Congress.

You can see that it’s been there a while, as the homeowner’s have patched things up a bit. From Shorpy.

UPDATE: Since Murdoc’s rule is “If it’s bigger than .50, consult Donovan,” I emailed The Armory on this, wondering if the Army had any 16″ projects at the time. The Navy’s first 16″-gunned BBs didn’t hit water until 1920. I figured this might be testing of the new biggies, but wanted some expert input. Here’s what I got:

Yes, [the Army] did, but that kind of testing was done at Aberdeen. Back at that point in time, Indian Neck was called “Naval Proving Ground Indian Neck” and they did gun development there – so it’s right time and place for the development of the naval 16 inch rifles.

UPDATE 2: Too good to leave in the comments section:

Thank God everyone was wearing eye protection!

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