10-pounder Parrott High-band Sabot Projectile

Federal

Parrott

DIAMETER: 2.94 inches
GUN: 3-inch Parrott rifle
LENGTH: 8 7/8 inches
WEIGHT: 11 pounds 11 ounces
CONSTRUCTION: Case shot
SABOT: Brass ring
FUZING: Parrott zinc fuze plug, paper time fuze

Robert P. Parrott patented this projectile's sabot construction on August 20, 1861, patent #33,099. The high brass sabot ring was cast around the base of the projectile, which had six indentations. The purpose of these indentations was to help keep the sabot from slipping while the propellant charge forced the sabot into the grooves of the rifle. Most often the sabot would not enter the grooves of the rifle cannon upon firing due to the close tolerance between the sabot and the shell base. Occasionally this resulted in chipping of the iron base of the projectile. Many recoveries have had the sabot sawed with vertical lines to correct the expansion problems. This pattern is also found in 10-pounder Parrott (2.9-inch caliber) and 20-pounder (3.67-inch caliber).