This excavated example
was intended for use in the 6-pounder, 2.6-inch caliber Wiard rifle. Specimens have
been recovered at Shiloh, Tennessee. It has a thick lead base that is both recessed
and concave. The sides are made of a thin lead sheeting. It contains rows of
lead balls packed in sawdust, with a thin tin top crimped in place. Similar
specimens are found in 3.67-inch and 3.8-inch caliber. On the base of the 3.67-inch
lead canister, the word "BASE" appears in raised letters on the lead
bottom. On the base of the 3.8-inch canister, the word "BASE 3.8" is in
raised letters on the concave bottom. Federal government contracts show purchases of
2.6-inch canister from Hotchkiss & Sons. Standard canister are found with
iron or lead balls stacked in tiers; the interstices are then filled with dry, sifted
sawdust which is packed with a pointed stick so that the balls will hold by themselves.
