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.
