The Parrott Rifle was invented by Captain Robert Parker Parrott in 1860 and manufactured at the West Point Foundry where he was the superintendent. Parrott rifles were made in multiple sizes; with most designed for use with 2.9-inch shells earlier in the war, almost half of those later converted for use with 3-inch shells, and others originally manufactured for use with 3-inch shells like this example. Page 113 of the book “Field Artillery Weapons of the Civil War” by James Hazlett, Edwin Olmstead, and M. Hume Parks, states, "After terminating the production of 2.9-inch Parrott rifles on 13 April 1863, West Point Foundry was busy with other work. Not until 12 February 1864 were two dozen of the new 3-inch pieces ready for inspection by Captain Daniel Webster Flagler. Apparently 279 (Model of 1863) 3-inch Parrott rifles were accepted from then through 4 September 1865. No evidence has been found that any were manufactured or marked for states or agencies other than the Federal government." Some Parrott Rifles were ordered by the State of Virginia just before the war, and they were also copied by the Confederacy. They are cast iron and have large reinforcing bands in the breech section. The Parrott rifles earned a dubious reputation for sometimes bursting without warning leading them to be feared by artillerymen. This very solid example features three-groove rifling, a tall blade sight mounted on top of the right trunnion, marked "US" on top between the trunnions, "R.P.P." (Robert Parker Parrott) on the right trunnion, "3 IN BORE" marked above the knob, and "900 No 35 1864 W.P.F./D.W.F. 3 IN." on the muzzle, which indicates a 900 pound weight, serial number 35, 1864 date of manufacture, manufactured by West Point Foundry, inspection initials of Captain Daniel Webster Flagler, and a 3 inch bore. The consignor states there are about four of these in private hands. Includes later replacement carriage and accoutrements.

Very good with applied black paint, some extensive pitting overall, some paint chips, and legible markings. Carriage is fine with some occasional paint chips and is sturdy overall.