Confederate Adjutant General button	The Civil War Relicman, Harry Ridgeway
	Winchester, Virginia USA (changed hands 70 times in the Civil War!) I am a collector buying and selling authentic Civil War Relics
	This page updated   June 04, 2008

The Ridgeway Civil War reference archive 
Artillery shells, Read (Confederate)

This is a sampling of relics collected by Harry Ridgeway over the years.  This archive record is for educational purposes only.  Some of the relics listed may be on display at the Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester Virginia, some are no longer owned by the author.  None of the items listed in this section are for sale, please refer to the separate sales catalog for items that are currently offered.

All artillery items listed  have been disarmed and rendered inert. 

Read shell, smooth sides, copper ring sabot, wood fuse, 2.6 in. 

A2008     Read shell, copper sabot, wood fuse, Confederate unknown gun 2.6 in. 

There has been a good bit of speculation as to what gun this was intended for, possibly a captured Wiard 2.6 in., it is a rare caliber for a Confederate shell. High band copper sabot, shell was cast for a wood fuse, some variation of the machining of a groove between the sabot and the body of the shell..
Unfired example, good metal.
Recovered: cache found at Adams Run, Charleston, SC
Diameter 2.55 in., length 7.4 in.
Ref: D & G pg. 237

Read bolt, bourreleted rings, thick copper ring sabot, 3 in. 

A1528    Read bourreleted rounded nose bolt, thick copper sabot, Confederate rifle, 3 in.

Read bolt features rounded nose, bourrelet rings, and very thick sabot. Shell may have been cast at Selma, marked "14" on the bourrelet ring, meaning not known. Sabot intact, good metal minor pitting only, mark "14" is crisp. 
Recovered: Snyder's Bluff Mississippi ammo dump 
Diameter 2.98 inch, length 6.1 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 252  

Read bolt, bourreleted rings, thin copper ring sabot, 3 in. 

A1421    Read bourreleted pointed nose bolt, thin copper sabot, Confederate rifle, 3 in. 

Read bolt features pointed nose, bourrelet rings, thin copper sabot, and thick knob base, could have been Selma manufacture. High brass sabot shows 6 lands and grooves, not sure what gun fired this, although the odd number of grooves could have been caused by slippage in the bore, outstanding metal 
Found by Bill Ritenour, Chancellorsville Va 
Diameter 2.94 inch, length 6.37 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 254 

Read shell, smooth sides, wrought iron sabot, wood fuse, 2.9 in. 

A1895     Read smooth long shell, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in. 
 
Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, tall smooth side copied from Federal patterns, cast for wood time fuse, lathe dimple in the base, 
Wrought iron sabot intact, wood shipping plug used to keep the powder dry is fully intact, this is unfired example, unusually prominent lathe dimple, exceptional metal 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.86 inch, length 8.75 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 243 (iron sabot, wood fuse)

A1767     Read smooth long shell, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in.  

Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, tall smooth side copied from Federal patterns, casting sprue on nose, 
lathe dimple in the base.  Iron sabot is somewhat thicker than other examples, there is prominent lathe cut near the nose.  
Cast for wood time fuse, which is missing.  
Wrought iron sabot intact, metal is solid, minor pitting only.  
Recovered: Richmond, Virginia   
Diameter 2.86 in., length 8.75 in.  
Ref: D & G pg. 243 (iron sabot, wood fuse)

A2154     Read smooth long shell, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in.  
Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, tall smooth side copied from Federal patterns, casting sprue on nose, lathe dimple in the base.  This example is somewhat taller than other examples, there is prominent lathe cut near the nose.  
Cast for wood time fuse, which is partial.  
Wrought iron sabot intact, metal is solid, light pitting..  
Recovered: not known  
Diameter 2.86 in., length 9 in.  
Ref: D & G pg. 243 (iron sabot, wood fuse)              To Do Post to Archive

A2194     Read smooth long shell, copper ring sabot, wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in.    
Smooth sided tall Read, copper tapered ring sabot was cast and not milled, casting sprue on nose is usually milled off, lathe dimple in the base.  
Cast for wood time fuse, which is missing.  
Fired copper sabot shows 3 lands and grooves, metal solid with light pitting.
Recovered: Kennesaw, Georgia  
Diameter 2.86 in., length 8.5 in., weight 10 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 243 (copper sabot, wood fuse)             To Do Post to Archive

Read shell, smooth sides, wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, 2.9 in. 

A1898     Read smooth long shell, wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in. 

Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, tall smooth side copied from Federal patterns, cast for threaded time fuse, casting sprue on nose, lathe dimple in the base. 
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41) 
Sabot intact, unusual thickness and height, copper time fuse intact, prominent lathe dimple and casting sprue, metal is solid, moderate pitting. 
Recovered: not known 
Diameter 2.86 inch, length 9 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 243 (iron sabot, copper fuse) 

A2240     Read smooth long shell, wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in.    
Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, tall smooth side copied from Federal patterns, cast for threaded time fuse, casting sprue on nose, lathe dimple in the base.  
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41)  
Sabot intact, unusual thickness and height, copper time fuse intact, prominent lathe dimple and casting sprue, metal is smooth, minor pitting only.
Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia 1865 campaign  
Diameter 2.86 in., length 8.75 in.(excluding the fuse), weight 9 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 243 (iron sabot, copper fuse)          To Do Post to Archive    use best pic this or A1898

A1555     Read long bourreleted shell, high convex wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate 2.9 inch rifle 

Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, this one is also tall and highly convex, light bourrelet rings may be intentional or could be machining errors, cast for copper time fuse. Copper time fuse intact, sabot is intact, metal good, moderate pitting only. 
Recovered: Gettysburg, early pickup 
Diameter 2.85 inch, length 8.5 in. 
Ref: Dickey & George pg. 247   

A2155     Read long bourreleted shell, high convex wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in. 
Wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, this one is also tall and highly convex, light bourrelet rings are present cast for copper time fuse.  This is believed to have been manufactured at Tredegar, Richmond, Virginia.  
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41)  
Copper time fuse intact, sabot is intact, metal solid, light to moderate pitting.
Recovered: Fredericksburg, Virginia  
Diameter 2.85 in., length 8.5 in. (excluding fuse)  
Ref: D & G pg. 247 $450.00             To Do Post to Archive

Read shell, smooth side side loader, wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, 2.9 in. 

A1420        Read long "sleeved" side loader shell, iron ring sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 2.9 in. 

Shell body was milled to specifications, the area near the nose and base were deeper, giving the appearance of a "sleeve", width will vary considerably, late war example was cast for a side loading plug, convex iron ring sabot, threaded for a copper time fuse. Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes, (Jones pg. 41) 
Iron sabot intact, copper time fuse intact, lead sideplug, lathe dimple in base, shell is moderately pitted, nose shows a small crack. 
Found by Bill Ritenour, Battle of Wilderness Va 
Diameter 2.85 inch, length 8.5 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 248 (side plug, iron sabot, copper fuse)  

Read shell, bourreleted rings, copper ring sabot, copper time fuse, 3 in. 

A0083     Read bourreleted shell, longer copper ring milled sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in.

As a labor saving device, only the bourrelet rings had to be exactly machined, the rest could be left rough.  Copper ring sabot was cast square, then milled inside to create a bevel, and is relatively long.  Base shows a lathe dimple, and was milled flat.  Casting sprue found on nose is generally milled off but noticeable.
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes, (Jones pg. 41)
Copper time fuse is intact, fired sabot is intact showing 7 lands and grooves, prominent casting sprue, metal is solid with light to moderate pitting.
Recovered:  Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.25 in. (excluding the fuse)
Ref: D & G pg. 257 (copper time fuse, longer milled copper sabot) 

A2108 Read bourreleted shell, longer copper ring milled 
sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in.
As a labor saving device, only the bourrelet rings had to be exactly machined,
the rest could be left rough.  Copper ring sabot was cast square, then milled 
inside to create a bevel, and is relatively long.  Base shows a lathe dimple, and 
was milled flat.  Casting sprue found on nose is generally milled off but 
noticeable.
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes, (Jones pg. 41)
Copper time fuse is intact, fired sabot is intact showing 7 lands and
grooves, prominent casting sprue, metal is solid with light pitting.
Recovered:  Chancellorsville, Virginia
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.25 in. (excluding the fuse)
Ref: D & G pg. 257 (copper time fuse, longer milled copper sabot)

A1540     Read bourreleted shell, shorter copper ring milled sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in.
 
As a labor saving device, only the bourrelet rings had to be exactly machined, the rest could be left rough.  Copper ring sabot was cast square, then milled inside to create a bevel, and is relatively short.  Base shows a lathe dimple, and was milled flat.  Casting sprue found on nose is generally milled off but noticeable.
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes, (Jones pg. 41)
Copper time fuse is intact, fired sabot intact showing 7 lands and grooves, prominent casting sprue, metal is solid, light to moderate pitting.
Recovered:  Atlanta Georgia campaign
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.0 in. (excluding the fuse)
Ref: D & G pg. 261 (copper time fuse, shorter milled copper sabot) 

A2239     Read bourreleted shell, thick copper ring tapered sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in.    
As a labor saving device, only the bourrelet rings had to be exactly machined, the rest could be left rough.  Copper ring sabot was cast to a thick lip, then milled to a tapered edge, base shows a lathe dimple and is usually relatively flat, casting sprue on nose is generally milled off but noticeable, cast for a copper time fuse, believed to have been manufactured in Georgia.  
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41)  
Copper time fuse is intact, fired sabot intact showing 12 lands and grooves, prominent casting sprue, metal is excellent, with light pitting only.  
Recovered: Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia 1865 campaign  
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.5 in., weight 8 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 261          To Do Post to Archive   

Read shell, bourreleted rings, copper ring sabot, wood time fuse, 3 in. 

A1890     Read bourreleted shell, thin copper ring sabot wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in.

As a labor saving device, only the bourrelet rings had to be exactly machined, the rest could be left rough.  Copper ring sabot was cast thin with a bevel, then lightly milled only on the edge, and is relatively long.  Base shows a lathe dimple, and was generally was not milled, leaving a slightly convex bottom.  Casting sprue found on nose is generally milled off but noticeable.
Cast for a wood time fuse.
Wood time fuse is partial, fired sabot is intact showing 7 lands and grooves, metal is good minor pitting only.
Recovered:  Cold Harbor, Virginia
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.25 in.
Ref: D & G pg. 257 (wood fuse, cast copper sabot not milled) 

A1536     Read bourreleted shell, tall copper ring tapered sabot wood time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in. 

As a labor saving device, only the bourrelet rings had to be exactly machined, the rest could be left rough.  Bourrelet rings are "mis-matched", meaning  lower ring is typically wider than upper ring.  Copper ring sabot was milled  inside to a bevel, then a significant safety groove was milled into the top of the sabot exterior and is sometimes cut into the bottom bourrelet ring.  Sabot. is longer than the other Reads.  Base shows a lathe dimple, and was not  milled leaving a convex bottom.  Casting sprue found on nose is generally  milled off but noticeable.
Cast for a wood fuse.
Unfired example, significant safety groove is cleanly milled into the sabot, sprue and dimple are prominent, outstanding metal.
Recovered:  cache at Camden SC
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.25 in.
Ref: D & G pg. 265 (wood fuse, tall copper milled sabot) 

A2147     Read bourreleted shell, side loader with lead plug, copper ring milled sabot, copper time fuse, Confederate rifle, 3 in.  
Due to the shortage of lead, the Confederates developed this side loader designed to use iron balls, the fuse would first be installed, then the balls were packed around the fuse through the side hole, it was then plugged with lead.  The bourrelet pattern already seeing extensive use was employed for this purpose.  Copper ring sabot was cast square, then milled inside to create a bevel, and is relatively long.  Base shows a lathe dimple, and was milled flat.  Casting sprue found on nose is generally milled off but noticeable.  
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41)  
Copper time fuse and lead sideplug are intact, fired sabot is partial showing 7 lands and grooves, prominent casting sprue, metal is solid with light to moderate pitting.
Recovered:  Spotsylvania County, Virginia  
Diameter 2.95 in., length 7.25 in. (excluding the fuse), weight 8 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 258 (copper time fuse, longer milled copper sabot)

Read bolt, bourreleted rings, copper ring sabot, 3.3 in. 

A1534    Read bourreleted bolt, Selma manufacture, copper ring sabot, Confederate 3.25 or 3.3 inch gun 
 
There is some confusion as to exactly which gun this was intended, 3.25 or 3.3 inch gun, machining is not precise enough to tell. The flat knob base, fat bourrelet rings and high convex copper sabot are indicative of Selma manufacture. Unfired example with sabot intact, excellent metal minimum pitting, good casting flaws indicated of late war Confederate manufacture. 
Recovered: O'Conee river cache near Milledgeville, Ga 
Diameter 3.22 inch, length 5.8 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 267 

Read shell, bourreleted rings, copper ring sabot, Confederate percussion fuse, 3.3 in. 

A1532    Read bourreleted shell, Selma manufacture, copper ring sabot, percussion fuse, Confederate 3.25 or 3.3 inch gun 

There is some confusion as to exactly which gun this was intended, 3.25 or 3.3 in. gun, machining is not precise enough to tell. The flat knob base, fat bourrelet rings and high convex copper sabot are indicative of Selma manufacture. 
Confederate copy of James percussion fuse (Jones pg. 29). 
Unfired example with sabot intact, copper percussion fuse is original and unscrews but there is nothing inside, excellent metal minimum pitting. 
Recovered: Oconee River, Milledgeville Ga 
Diameter 3.22 inch, length 6.5 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 269  

Read shell, bourreleted rings, copper ring sabot, wood fuse, 3.3 in. 

A1533     Read bourreleted shell, Selma manufacture, copper ring sabot, wood fuse, Confederate 3.25 or 3.3 inch gun 

Good restoration candidate, if you like to do your own restorations, shell is coated but has never been cleaned.
There is some confusion as to exactly which gun this was intended, 3.25 or 3.3 inch gun, machining is not precise enough to tell. The flat knob base, fat bourrelet rings and high convex copper sabot are indicative of Selma manufacture, equipped with wood fuse. Unfired example with sabot intact, remains of wood fuse good metal, moderate pitting 
Recovered: Vicksburg campaign 
Diameter 3.22 inch, length 6.5 inch 
Ref: Dickey & George pg. 269  

Read shell, smooth sides, star cavity, copper ring sabot, copper time fuse, 3.5 in. 

A1494     Read star cavity shell, copper ring sabot, copper time fuse Confederate 3.4 inch or Blakely 3.5 inch gun 
 
It is not entirely clear what gun this was intended for, specimens noted seem to vary in diameter from 3.35 in to 3.45 inch which may be measurement variance caused by corrosion, distortion of sabots from firing, or machining quality variations. Many were found at High Bridge Va which was a low priority outpost and may have been equipped with an older smoothbore gun bored and retrofitted to take these rifled projectiles or it could have been intended for the 12 pounder Blakely rifle, 3.5 inch. Interior of the shell was segmented in star shape, an innovation to produce more even fragmentation, sabot is high band convex copper sabot, thickness varies, equipped with a copper time fuse. Copper sabot intact may be fired, a small section of the side has been chipped out exposing the segmented interior, copper time fuse intact, metal casting is poor, moderate pitting. 
Found at Brandy Station, Va., 1863 campaign site 
Diameter 3.4 inch, length 7.75 inch 
Ref: Dickey & George pg. 271 or 274 (may be same shell) 

Read shell, smooth sides, wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse, 3.67 in. (20 pounder) 

A1903     Read tall shell, wrought iron sabot, copper time fuse Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67 in.

Tall body, rounded nose, some give the appearance of a sleeve but this is variation in machining, heavy wrought iron sabot was pre-rifled with 5 flanges, lathe dimple in base, casting sprue on nose. Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41) 
Copper time fuse intact, sabot intact with 5 pre-rifled flanges, excellent metal quality minor pitting only. 
Recovered: Atlanta 
Diameter 3.63 inch, length 10.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 280 (copper time fuse)   

Read shell, smooth sides, wrought iron sabot, wood fuse, 3.67 in. (20 pounder) 

A1490    Read tall shell, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuse Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67 in. 

Tall body, rounded nose, some give the appearance of a sleeve but this is variation in machining, heavy wrought iron sabot was pre-rifled with 5 flanges, lathe dimple in base, casting sprue on nose. Cast for wood fuse Wood fuse missing, inspector mark "Z" or could be "2" is visible, sabot intact with 5 pre-rifled flanges, excellent metal quality 
Recovered: Gettysburg campaign 
Diameter 3.63 inch, length 10.25 inch 
Ref: D & G pg. 280 (wood fuse) 

A2159     Read tall shell, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuse Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67 in.    
Tall body pointed nose pattern, thin wrought iron sabot, was pre-rifled with 5 flanges, lathe dimple in base, casting sprue on nose.  
Cast for wood fuse, which is partial.  
Sabot intact with 5 lands & grooves, metal is solid with light to moderate pitting.  
Recovered: not known  
Diameter 3.63 in., length 10.25 in., weight 18 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 280 (wood fuse)         $750.00             To Do Post to Archive

Read shell, smooth sides, copper ring sabot, copper fuse, 3.67 in. (20 pounder) 

A2234     Read tall shell, copper band sabot, copper time fuse Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67 in.    
Tall body, rounded nose, some give the appearance of a sleeve but this is variation in machining, brass band sabot, no groove above the sabot,
lathe dimple in base, casting sprue on nose is often milled off.  
Confederate copper time fuse, two spanner holes. (Jones pg. 41)  
Copper time fuse intact, unfired sabot intact, metal solid moderate pitting.
Recovered: Virginia 1865 campaign  
Diameter 3.63 in., length 9.75 in.(excluding fuse), weight 15 lbs.  
Ref: D & G pg. 283 (copper time fuse)        To Do Post to Archive

To do verify condition after restoration

Read shell, smooth sides, copper ring sabot, wood fuse, 3.67 in. (20 pounder) 

A2096 Read tall shell, tapered ring copper sabot, wood time
fuse, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67 in.
Tall body, rounded nose, some give the appearance of a sleeve or a lathed tail, 
but this is variation in machining, heavy wrought iron sabot, lathe dimple
 in base, casting sprue on nose.
Cast for wood fuse, which is missing.
Unfired sabot intact, metal solid with moderate pitting.
Recovered: Port Hudson, Louisiana
Diameter 3.63 in., length 10.25 in., weight 16 lbs.
Ref: D & G pg. 284 (wood fuse)    

Read shell, smooth sides, wrought iron sabot, wood fuse, 4.2 in. (30 pounder) 

A1489     Read long shell, wrought iron sabot, wood fuse Confederate 30 pounder rifle, 4.2 in. 

Tall smooth sided Read, wrought iron sabot is pre-rifled for 5 lands & grooves, casting sprue on nose is usually milled off, lathe dimple on base.
Cast for wood fuse, which is missing.
Sabot intact showing 5 lands & grooves, late war casting quality is typically poorl, metal solid, with moderate pitting.
Recovered Petersburg, Va
Diameter 4.1 in., length 12.5 in., weight 26 lbs.
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord. pg. 329   

A2163     Read long shell, wrought iron sabot, wood fuse Confederate 30 pounder rifle, 4.2 in.    
Tall smooth sided Read, wrought iron sabot is pre-rifled for 5 lands & grooves, casting sprue on nose is usually milled off, lathe dimple on base.
Cast for wood fuse, which is missing.  
Sabot intact showing 5 lands & grooves, late war casting quality is typically
poor, metal solid, with moderate pitting.  
Recovered Petersburg, Va  
Diameter 4.1 in., length 12.5 in., weight 26 lbs.  
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord. pg. 329         $850.00               To Do Post to Archive

Read bolt, short tear drop design, wrought iron sabot, 6.4 in. (rifled 32 pounder) 

A1648    Read tear drop bolt, iron sabot, Rifled 32 pounder gun, 6.4 in. 
 
Various attempts were made to employ this "tear drop" design, it did not take the rifling very well and were not effective, this one has iron sabot. 
Iron sabot intact, metal solid moderate pitting. 
Recovered: Mississippi defenses 
Diameter 6.36in, length 9.0in 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 343

Read shell, bourreleted rings,, wrought iron sabot, Confederate percussion fuse, 6.4 in. (rifled 32 pounder) 

A1568     Read bourreleted shell, iron sabot, percussion fuse, Confederate rifled 32 pounder, 6.4 in. 
 
Confederate Read with bourrelet rings, thin wrought iron sabot, intended to use Confederate percussion fuse. Sabot sheared as is typical, fuse intact with damage, metal quality good with light pitting. 
Recovered: Richmond Va 
Diameter 6.36 inch, length 9.5 inch (sabot missing) 
Ref: Bell Heavy Ord, pg. 348  

Fuses for Read shells   

A1984    Confederate time fuse adaptor, rifled projectiles 

This simple copper time fuse adaptor with a paper fuse was widely used by the Confederates. It employed a flange with spanner holes for ease of fastening, bottom is tapered, hole in bottom is small for "case" shot. Longer fuse was generally intended for Confederate rifled projectiles.
Threads clean, good display or can be used.
Length 1.9 in., Diameter .98 in., Flange diameter 1.25 in.
Ref: Jones Fuse pg. 41 (case shot)  

A2257     Confederate time fuse adaptor, rifled projectiles 
This simple copper time fuse adaptor with a paper fuse was widely used by the Confederates.  It employed a flange with spanner holes for ease of fastening,  bottom is tapered, hole in bottom is large for "common" shot.
Longer fuse was generally intended for Confederate rifled projectiles.
Threads clean, good display or can be used.  
Recovered: not known  
Length 1.8 in., Diameter .98 in., Flange diameter 1.25 in.  
Ref: Jones Fuse pg. 41 (common shot)     $75.00          To Do Post to Archive

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