Confederate

Read

 

DIAMETER:  2.94 inches
GUN:  3-inch wrought iron (ordnance) rifle
LENGTH:  7/18 inches
WEIGHT:   8 pounds 4 ounces
CONSTRUCTION:  Shell
SABOT:  Copper ring
FUZING:  Wooden fuze plug, paper time fuze

 3-inch Read Shell Mis-matched Bourrelets
The lower bourrelet of this Read projectile is wider than the upper one.  This style is often referred to as a high-band Read due to the taller than usual sabot.  Note the casting imperfections in the copper sabot.  The groove between the sabot and the projectile body was cut by the lathe tool.  This space was for a lubrication and safety expansion groove.  This pattern was recovered in South Carolina.