A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War
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Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War |
| Civil War Artillery | |
| by Harry Ridgeway |
| More Read design, PAGE 2. Research Center: Artillery5000-Read,     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5002-Read-PAGE2.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, solid bolt, short pattern with pointed nose bourrelet rings, copper ring sabot, Confederate rifle, 3.25 or 3.3in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war employing John Read's design, probably at Selma Arsenal. This pattern utilized two wide bourreletrings, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough. The nose is relatively pointed, and the width of the bourrelet rings varies considerably, presumably this is operator variance in the finishing process. The base is raised and milled to a bevel leaving a depressed ring between the base and the sabot, there is no lathe dimple although this could have been milled out of the flat bottom. Read developed this copperring sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot, sabot istapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base. Copper ring sabot was cast thin. Shell is pointed nose bolt with no explosive charge, for use against enemy cannon. Projectile measures: diameter 3.26in., length 5.75in. (excluding fuze), weight 8.4lb. Research Center: Artillery5081-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 267.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5081-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with bourrelet rings, tall copper ring sabot with notch, copper time fuze, Confederate rifle, 3.25 or 3.3 in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war employing John Read's design, probably at Selma Arsenal. This pattern utilized two wide bourreletrings, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough. The nose is relatively pointed, and the width of the bourrelet rings varies considerably, presumably this is operator variance in the finishing process. The base is raised and milled to a bevel leaving a depressed ring between the base and the sabot, lathe dimple is found on the base. Read developed this copperring sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot, sabot istapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base,flame grooves were cut into the sabot. Copper ring sabot was cast thin. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. Projectile measures: diameter 3.2in., length 6.6in. (excluding fuze), weight 7.7lbs. Research Center: Artillery5082-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 268.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5082-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, short pattern with bourrelet rings copper ring short sabot, percussion fuze, Confederate rifle, 3.25 or 3.3in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war employing John Read's design , probably at Selma Arsenal. This pattern utilized two bourrelet rings, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough. The nose is relatively pointed, and the width of the bourrelet rings varies considerably, presumably this is operator variance in the finishing process. The base is raised and milled to a bevel leaving a depressed ring between the base and the sabot, there is no lathe dimple although this could have been milled out of the flat bottom. Read developed this copperring sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot, sabot istapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base,ring was thin cast leaving a thin edge at the bottom.Fuze employed was a Confederate version of James percussion fuze , Jones pg. 29. Projectile measures: diameter 3.2in., length 6.5in. (excluding fuze), weight 7.5lb. Research Center: Artillery5083-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 269.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5083-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, short pattern with bourrelet rings copper ring short sabot, wood fuze, Confederate rifle, 3.25 or 3.3in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war employing John Read's design , probably at Selma Arsenal. This pattern utilized two bourrelet rings, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough. The nose is relatively pointed, and the width of the bourrelet rings varies considerably, presumably this is operator variance in the finishing process. The base is raised and milled to a bevel leaving a depressed ring between the base and the sabot, there is no lathe dimple although this could have been milled out of the flat bottom. Read developed this copperring sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot, sabot istapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base,ring was thin cast leaving a thin edge at the bottom. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place. Projectile measures: diameter 3.2in., length 6.5in. (excluding fuze), weight 7.5lb. Research Center: Artillery5084-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 269.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5084-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture Marshall Texas, bursting shell, short pattern with smooth sides, notched copper disc sabot, wood fuze, Confederate rifle, 3.3 in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured following Read's design but was apparently developed independently at the arsenal at Marshall Texas. The copper sabot is very thin, and is a disc with 5 notches, integral with a brass band. The disc portion is held onto a thin knob on the base of the shell, three notches were cut into the the outer band to allow flame to pass. The smooth body is shorter than that used by Read and is also used on a similar pattern derived from Mullane. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place.Projectile measures: diameter 3.26in., length 7.75in. (excluding fuze),weight 10.9lb. Research Center: Artillery5085-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 195.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5085-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, short pattern with smooth sides short segmented interior, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuze, Confederate rifle 3.4 in. or Blakely rifle 3.5 in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot Both sides produced a smooth sided shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom. Interior of the shell was segmented in star shape, an innovation to produce more even fragmentation. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place. 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. Projectile measures: diameter 3.3in., length 6.0in. (excluding fuze), weight 7.5lb. Research Center: Artillery5086-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 272.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5086-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides, segmented interior, copper ring sabot milled, copper time fuze, Confederate 3.4in. or Blakely rifle, 3.5in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot Both sides produced a smooth sided shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom. Interior of the shell was segmented in star shape, an innovation to produce more even fragmentation. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. 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 Virginia 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. Projectile measures: diameter 3.35in., length 7.75in. (excluding fuze), weight 10.9lbs. Research Center: Artillery5087-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 271 or 274.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5087-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, short pattern with smooth sides, segmented interior, copper ring sabot milled, copper time fuze, Confederate 3.4in. or Blakely rifle, 3.5in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot Both sides produced a smooth sided shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom. Interior of the shell was segmented in star shape, an innovation to produce more even fragmentation . Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. 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 Virginia 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. Projectile measures: diameter 3.5in., length 7.25in. (excluding fuze), weight 11.7lbs. Research Center: Artillery5088-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 273.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5088-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides, pointed nose, wrought iron sabot, wood time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured following the prewar invention of Robert Parrott and John Read working together. The sabot system utilized was a wrought iron ring, the Confederate version developed by Read is generally thinner than the Federal pattern. Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe. Although the wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, it still did not take the rifling satisfactorily, five lands and grooves were precast into this sabot. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered intoplace. Projectile measures: diameter 3.63in., length 10.25in., weight 18lbs. Research Center: Artillery5111-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 280.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5111-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with< smooth sidestapered nose, wrought iron sabot pre-cast rifling, copper time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured following the prewar invention of Robert Parrott and John Read working together. The sabot system utilized was a wrought iron ring, the Confederate version developed by Read is generally thinner than the Federal pattern. Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe , nose on this pattern is relatively tapered. Although the wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, it still did not take the rifling satisfactorily, five lands and grooves were precast into this sabot . Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41 . Projectile measures: diameter 3.63in., length 10.25in., weight 18lbs. Research Center: Artillery5112-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 280.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5112-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides, blunt nose, wrought iron sabot pre-cast rifling, copper time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured following the prewar invention of Robert Parrott and John Read working together. The sabot system utilized was a wrought iron ring, the Confederate version developed by Read is generally thinner than the Federal pattern. Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded. Although the wrought iron sabot was cast much thinner than the Federal counterpart, it still did not take the rifling satisfactorily, five lands and grooves were precast into this sabot. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. Projectile measures: diameter 3.6in., length 9.5in. (excluding fuze), weight16.6lbs. Research Center: Artillery5113-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 281.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5113-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides milled sleeve, pointed nose, thick copper ring sabot not milled and not pre-rifled, wood time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexiblethan the earlier wrought iron sabot. A smooth sided long shell was produced by both sides, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe. The shell was lathe turned, a slightly deeper cut was made at the top and the bottom leaving the impression of a "sleeve" the depth and dimension will vary considerably and is likely the result of operator variation in the finishing process.Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, this model was not milled and not pre-rifled. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered, the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place. Projectile measures: diameter 3.63in., length 10.25in., weight 16lbs. Research Center: Artillery5114-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 284.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5114-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides, tapered nose, copper ring sabot milled, copper time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. .Projectile measures diameter 3.63in., length 9.75in.(excluding fuze), weight 15lbs. Research Center: Artillery5115-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 283.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5115-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides, tapered nose, copper ring sabot milled, wood time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is bluntly rounded. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, then milled to a thin edge at the bottom. Fuze employed was a wood time fuze, Jones Fuzes pg. 2, fuze hole is smooth and tapered,the simple to make fuze could easily be hammered into place. Projectile measures diameter 3.63in., length 9.75in.(excluding fuze), weight 14lbs. Research Center: Artillery5116-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 283.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5116-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides milled sleeve, pointed nose, thick copper ring sabot not milled and not pre-rifled, copper time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexiblethan the earlier wrought iron sabot. A smooth sided long shell was produced by both sides, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe. The shell was lathe turned, a slightly deeper cut was made at the top and the bottom leaving the impression of a "sleeve" the depth and dimension will vary considerably and is likely the result of operator variation in the finishing process. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, this model was not milled and not pre-rifled. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. Projectile measures: diameter 3.63in., length 10.25in., weight 16lbs. Research Center: Artillery5117-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 284.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5117-Read.html. |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture, bursting shell, long pattern with smooth sides, tapered nose, copper ring sabot, thick pre-rifled, copper time fuze, Confederate 20 pounder rifle, 3.67in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war. Read developed this copper sabot, it was more flexible than the earlier wrought iron sabot Both sides produced a smooth sided long shell, this Confederate version is distinguished by a lathe dimple in the base, a casting sprue on the nose, and the smooth sides were finished by turning on a lathe, nose on this pattern is relatively pointed. Copper ring sabot is tapered at the top and seated in a deep groove well inside of the iron base, ring was cast thick, five lands and grooves were precast into this sabot. Fuze employed was a Confederate copper time fuze, two spanner holes, Jones pg. 41. Projectile measures diameter 3.63in., length 9.75in.(excluding fuze), weight 18lbs. Research Center: Artillery5118-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 283.     Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5118-Read.html. |
A0200.22...Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, 3.67in., fragments  These fragments from 20 pounder oprojectiles were recovered from Milroy's main fort at Second Battle of Winchester. Milroy occupied Winchester, during winter 1863, and constructed an extensive hill top fortifications around Winchester, three batteries were configured in triangle shape, allowing fire or cross fire to be directed against an attack from any direction. The Confederates occupied the western battery and turned the guns from this battery onto Milroy's main battery. Rockbridge Artillery occuppied the captured battery and brought in 20 pounders. It is believed that the only use of 20 pounders in this engagement was from the Rockbridge Artillery, and so these fragments recovered from the target, Milroy's main battery are believed to have been fired by the Rockbridge Artillery. Recovered: Second Battle of Winchester Milroys camp, by Harry Ridgeway.Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum, Winchester, Virginia |
| Rifled artillery projectile, Read design, Confederate manufacture Selma Alabama, solid bolt, short pattern with bourrelet rings, copper ring sabot not milled, Confederate adaptation for rifled 14 pounder, 3.8 in. Projectile was Confederate manufactured during the war employing John Read's design , probably at Selma Arsenal. This pattern utilized two wide bourreletrings, as a labor saving device, only the rings had to be accurately machined, the rest could be left rough. The nose is relatively pointed, and the width of the bourrelet rings varies considerably, presumably this is operator variance in the finishing process. The base is raised and milled to a bevel leaving a depressed ring between the base and the sabot, there is no lathe dimple although this could have been milled out of the flat bottom. Shellwas apparently intended for the 3.8 in. Federal James cannon, some of which were captured, but were not produced by the south. Few were produced, most were discarded presumably because there were few guns that could use this size. Projectile measures: diameter 3.75in., length 6.25in. weight 12.0lbs. Research Center: Artillery5131-Read, Ref: Dickey & George, Field Artillery (1993 Edition), pg. 287.    Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5131-Read.html. |
| More Read design, PAGE 3. Research Center: Artillery5000-Read, Details click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery5003-Read-PAGE3.html. |
| Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War. Artillery Research center, artillery, click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery0000-Index.html.     Research center, artillery, click: http://relicman.com/artillery/Artillery0000-Index.html. |
| Civil War Relicman, Harry Ridgeway, Civil War artillery, Relicman sales catalog. Click here: http://relicman.com/artillery/RelicmanSalesArtillery1.html.     Artillery for sale: http://relicman.com/artillery/RelicmanSalesArtillery1.html. |