Federal

Hotchkiss

 

 

DIAMETER: 3.74 inches
GUN: 14-pounder James rifle, 3.8-inch caliber
LENGTH: 6 7/8 inches
WEIGHT: 14 pounds 4 ounces
CONSTRUCTION: Case shot
SABOT: Lead band
FUZING: Hotchkiss brass fuze plug, paper time fuze

This projectile is an example of a Hotchkiss pattern that was manufactured to replace the poorly designed James projectile pattern. The Hotchkiss pattern is found in both case-shot and common shell varieties. The case-shot variety has a more rounded nose than the shell. Specimens in this caliber have been noted with and without flame grooves. This pictured projectile was recovered from the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. It also has been recovered in a 3.67-inch caliber size.