Field Artillery Projectiles: A Pictorial Study
Rifled Projectiles (slow to download - numerous projectiles)
How To Use This Section
The following pictorial guide has been designed to be of maximum benefit to the beginning collector as well as the more advanced student. Each page is designed to serve as a quick reference guide for the most common varieties of artillery projectiles. With careful review, the reader will find valuable information to help point out many of the more subtle differences between apparently similar projectiles.
The comments which are located at the bottom of the each page deserve special attention. In addition to providing information concerning the projectiles illustrated, they may also refer the reader to other sections of the book to help clarify a point or to expand on a particular thought. Additional technical information can be found in the glossary.
In an attempt to keep collectors from getting confused when reading other reference material on projectiles, the authors have decided to continue referring to various patterns by their currently accepted common name. In the technical information located below and sometimes to the left of each pictured projectile is a new term better suited to explain the inner construction of artillery projectiles. Construction is a term which is defined by the authors, describing the interior design of the projectile. Examples being: Solid shot, common shell, and case-shot, etc.
In order to set a standard in the artillery projectile field a designation of the particular pattern, sub-pattern, or variant has been established. The authors have noticed that in all prior books on artillery, including our first book, Introduction to Field Artillery Ordnance 1861-1865, there was no consistent method used in attempting to classify projectiles. Therefore, the authors have created a reasonable system based on patent dates whenever possible. When patent information is not available, the authors have decided to use a classification based on the earliest known field recoveries. As in any first effort, revisions will be needed in this system of projectile classification. The authors look forward to comments and suggestions from our fellow artillery enthusiasts.
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This is the most significant classification and is primarily based on the date of the patent, or if not available, the first known field recovery. In most cases the designations of pattern follow a chronological order of development in that particular style of projectile. Minor variations in body style, sabot, and fuzing systems do not affect the pattern designation. |
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Within a specific projectile pattern there can exist several significant variations in the body, sabot, or fuzing, and/or any combinations of the above. These are commonly referred to as sub-patterns. Example: James Pattern I, Sub-pattern II projectile commonly called a tie-ring James. |
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Within a specific projectile pattern or sub-pattern there can exist minor differences; such as a wooden drive-in paper time fuze adapter and a threaded paper time fuze adapter. These minor differences are considered variants. |