Also known as: Sawyer shell, Sawyer bolt.
In the Half Shell Book: This subject is treated in Civil War Artillery Projectiles: The Half Shell Book, pp. 322-326.
| Class | Rifled projectile (mechanical fit) |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sylvanus Sawyer |
| Body | Ribbed cast iron sheathed in lead |
| Common caliber | About 3.67 inches |
The Sawyer system
Sylvanus Sawyer's projectile had a cast-iron body cut with ribs and covered with a lead sheath shaped to match the flanged rifling of the Sawyer gun, so the projectile took the grooves by its molded form as well as by the softness of the lead.
Sawyer projectiles were made as solid bolts and as explosive shells, commonly about 3.67 inches, and are found with combination and percussion fuzes. The lead sheath was prone to damage in the bore, and the system saw only limited service.
On this site
Sources & further reading
- Melton, Jack W., Jr. Civil War Artillery Projectiles: The Half Shell Book. Blue Ridge, GA: Historical Publications LLC, 2018.
- Hackley, Frank W. Civil War Explosive Ordnance. Revised November 10, 1960. U.S. Naval School, Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
- United States Military Academy Ordnance Museum. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection.