Petersburg Dug Unfired 3” Hotchkiss Rifled Projectile Bursting Shell, Early Pattern without Flame Grooves with Hotchkiss Percussion Fuse

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Petersburg Dug Unfired 3” Hotchkiss Rifled Projectile Bursting Shell, Early Pattern without Flame Grooves with Hotchkiss Percussion Fuse – These shells were manufactured in the Federal arsenals following the invention of Andrew Hotchkiss. Some of these shells were “common” or standard rounds, explosive charge only, or “case shot”, filled with balls. This example is a “common” or standard shell, not the case shot variety; this type of shell, with a percussion fuse, was designed for impact detonation for use against enemy cannon. There was no need for flame grooves with this pattern. The brass, Hotchkiss percussion fuse cap is secured by a single slot-tightening groove. On some of these shells, the Hotchkiss patent date was cast into the base – “HOTCHKISS PATENT OCTOBER 9, 1855”; stamping was weak and seemingly omitted as the molds wore down or were replaced; the cup on this shell does not exhibit any stamping. This shell was excavated in the Petersburg area, several years ago; it is in overall, fair condition, with obvious ground action and pitting; the fuse and lead sabot are in very good condition. The shell was disarmed by a drilling process, many years ago. Projectile measures: diameter 2.9in., length 6.5in.