Confederate

Archer

 

DIAMETER:  3.26 inches
GUN:  3.3-inch Confederate rifle
LENGTH:  5 1/4 inches
WEIGHT:  7 pounds 14 ounces
CONSTRUCTION:  Shell
SABOT:  Lead band
FUZING:  Wooden fuze plug, paper time fuze
This unfired Archer projectile variety was manufactured without flame grooves. Similar specimens; however, have been recovered with flame grooves as can be seen in the specimen pictured here. There are three grooves and two small vertical flanges on the tapered base. The purpose of this arrangement was to increase the chances of the sabot remaining on the projectile body during firing. Note the prominent expansion and lubrication groove, which is missing the lubricated hemp rope which was often used to reduce friction during firing.