Federal

James Pattern I, Sub pattern I

 

DIAMETER: 3.68 inches
GUN: 14-pounder James rifle, 3.8-inch caliber
LENGTH: 7 inches
WEIGHT: 13 pounds 11 ounces
CONSTRUCTION: Solid shot
SABOT: Lead ring covered with a tin sleeve
FUZING: None

This is an non-excavated unfired James Pattern I, Sub-pattern I projectile. The sabot was manufactured by placing a plate of sheet-tin on a piece of strong canvas, which is wider than, but of the same length as the plate. The canvas is then folded over the side edges of the sheet-tin plate and firmly secured by cross sewing. The space between the inner surface of the canvas covered tin plate and the body of the cylinder is filled with melted lead, which, adhering to the tin plate and iron ribs, forms a compact mass around the body of the projectile. The canvas fabric was greased prior to insertion of the projectile into the bore of the cannon. This was done in an attempt to reduce friction and subsequent wear of the rifling. This pattern was patented by Charles Tillinghast James on February 26, 1856, patent #14,315, and is classified as Pattern I, Sub-pattern I, due to the date of the patent.