3-inch Absterdam Pattern I, Sub-pattern I Projectile

Absterdam Pattern I, Sub-pattern I

This Absterdam Pattern I, Sub-pattern I, projectile has only one bearing surface. Stamped on the bottom of the lead cup is "PATENTED AUG 12TH 1862" with other specimens stamped with "PATENTED S & CO AUGUST 12, 1862". John Absterdam of New York, New York, patented an improvement in banding and covering projectiles on November 7, 1865, patent #50,783. There are no known battlefield recoveries of this projectile in 3-inch caliber. Some battlefield recoveries of the Absterdam pattern have been noted in the 4.5-inch caliber. Most surviving specimens of this variety are seen with the bearing surface band missing.