Fired from a 3.4" cal. Rifled Boat Howitzer. At the tip of this projectile is a small brass nose, purpose unknown. This projectile has four ribs arranged vertically around the shell's body. Designed as a bearing surface to diminish friction inside the cannon bore and also to aid in its flight. Dahlgren patented this pattern on August 6, 1861 under patent number 32,986. Underneath the lead cup sabot rounded iron base with five wide ribs. Around the lead cup sabot was a large groove which, was filled with rope, saturated with tallow and lamp-black, which acted as lubrication. This scarce bolt, seldom seen with its lead cup sabot, is in excellent condition. Has been lightly cleaned. Surface of iron still has a little of surface grime. Found with approx. 10 other "Blind Shell" Bolts when unearthed by a farmer  outside of Richmond, VA, still in the remains of a period shipping box.  [ws]

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