This projectile is the
invention of Lynall Thomas, F.R.S.L., of Great Britain. The center ring or band of iron of the
pictured specimen is forward of its original position. The ring was originally
centered between two bands, which were made of lead. The wooden shipping
plug located in the nose of the projectile is 6 1/2" long. This
projectile functioned in a manner similar to that of
the Federal Hotchkiss. Upon firing, the base was forced along the
cylindrical body, thus expanding the two lead bands into the rifling.
The expansion, taking place at two points, also allowed the use of a
much less quantity of lead than would otherwise be necessary for shot or
shells of such a length, and, consequently, the friction in the gun was considerably
diminished. This pattern
is extremely rare, and most know specimens have been recovered in the vicinity of
Charleston, South Carolina. There are several varieties and calibers
of the Thomas pattern projectile.
