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Federal

Absterdam

 

DIAMETER:  2.94 inches
GUN:  3-inch Rifle
LENGTH:  6 7/8 inches
WEIGHT:  9 pounds 5 ounces
CONSTRUCTION:  Solid Shot - Bolt
SABOT: Brass Ring
FUZING:  None

 3-inch Absterdam Bolt
John Absterdam's patent for projectiles was dated February 23, 1864, United States patent #41,668.  Stamped into the brass sabot is "ABSTERDAM'S PATENT FEB. 23, 1864."  The letters "JPK" are stamped into the side of the projectile and are thought to be the inspector's initials.  The sabot has six cuts to aid in expansion and it extends 1/4 inch below the base of the projectile.  There are no known battlefield recoveries of the 3-inch Absterdam bolt.