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Federal 3-inch Absterdam Shell with Patent Date & Initials

Item: Federal 3-inch Absterdam Shell with Patent Date & Initials
Gun: 3-inch ordnance rifle.
Fusing: Brass Absterdam time fuse adaptor.
Construction: Cast iron with brass band sabot.
Approximate size: Weight: 9.2 pounds. Diameter: 2.94 inches. Length: 8-1/4 inches.
Condition: Excellent, non-excavated. The surface is smooth and minimally pitted. Remnants of original orange paint are visible. The fuze is not present. Its brass sabot, with its six cuts for expansion, is present and is stamped "ABSTERDAMS / PATENT / FEB . 23 . 1864". The 1/4-inch-tall letters "JPK" are stamped into the side of the projectile. As a preservative measure the shell was very lightly clear coated at some point. The shell is empty and ready for display.   
Recovered: Unknown
Reference: Similar examples can be found in the following reference books:

• "Field Artillery Ordnance 1861 - 1865", by Jack W. Melton, Jr., and Lawrence E. Pawl, page 240.
• "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War", by Thomas S. Dickey and Peter C. George on page 299. 

See above pages in additional images. 

Comments: According to Peter George, co-author of "Field Artillery Projectiles of the American Civil War Revised and Supplemented Edition 1993 ", there have been no battlefield finds of Absterdam shells, bolts, or case-shots. Mr. George has only seen one excavated example which was recovered from Parrott's West Point test range. 

This example will be an excellent addition to any Civil War artillery or general relic collection.

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Product Code:

PC11718

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Price:

$295.00

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