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Great Britain
DIAMETER: 3.46 inches |
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| This projectile is the invention of Lynall Thomas, F.R.S.L., of Great Britain. The center ring or band of iron of the pictured specimen is forward of its original position. The ring was originally centered between two bands, which were made of lead. The wooden shipping plug located in the nose of the projectile is 6 1/2" long. This projectile functioned in a manner similar to that of the Federal Hotchkiss. Upon firing, the base was forced along the cylindrical body, thus expanding the two lead bands into the rifling. The expansion, taking place at two points, also allowed the use of a much less quantity of lead than would otherwise be necessary for shot or shells of such a length, and, consequently, the friction in the gun was considerably diminished. This pattern is extremely rare, and most know specimens have been recovered in the vicinity of Charleston, South Carolina. There are several varieties and calibers of the Thomas pattern projectile. | ||||