This shell was never used, it appears to be post war ; the black paint is as it was painted at the arsenal and the brass plug may be a shipping plug and not actually a fuse.
In 1885 the Army adopted the Model 1885 3.2" Breech Loading Field Gun which was the successor to the 3" Ordnance Rifle and this shell may have been for this gun. Some 3" Ordnance Rifles were also converted to this type gun.
In 1885 the Army adopted the Model 1885 3.2" Breech Loading Field Gun which was the successor to the 3" Ordnance Rifle and this shell may have been for this gun. Some 3" Ordnance Rifles were also converted to this type gun.