3.4-inch Read-Parrott Shell

Confederate

Read-Parrott

DIAMETER: 3.34 inches
GUN: 3.4-inch rifle
LENGTH: 6 1/4 inches
WEIGHT: 8 pounds 1 ounce
CONSTRUCTION: Shell
SABOT: Wrought iron ring
FUZING: Wooden fuze plug, paper time fuze

Note the distinctly visible lathe grooves running the entire length of this cylindrical Read-Parrott projectile body. The wrought iron sabot has the impression of three lands and grooves stamped into it. This was done in an attempt to decrease the likelihood of the sabot breaking as it expanded into the grooves of the rifle during firing. Because the basic body design of this projectile is smooth-sided and without bourrelets, the authors have decided to classify it as a Read-Parrott, even though this projectile was not manufactured for use in the Parrott rifle.