Robert P. Parrott patented this projectile's sabot
construction on August 20, 1861, patent #33,099. The high brass sabot ring was cast around
the base of the projectile, which had six indentations. The purpose of these indentations
was to help keep the sabot from slipping while the propellant charge forced the sabot into
the grooves of the rifle. Most often the sabot would not enter the grooves of the rifle
cannon upon firing due to the close tolerance between the sabot and the shell base.
Occasionally this resulted in chipping of the iron base of the projectile. Many recoveries
have had the sabot sawed with vertical lines to correct the expansion problems. This
pattern is also found in 10-pounder Parrott (2.9-inch caliber) and 20-pounder (3.67-inch
caliber).
