Federal .58 Caliber 3-Ring Explosive Bullet
SOLD
Item: Federal .58 Caliber 3-Ring Explosive Bullet
Construction: Cast pewter with copper vessel. Raised letters on base: “S. GARDINER JR. SHELL PATENT SECURED”
Condition: Very good. A solid example with a charcoal patina. Its skirt and nozzle are nicely rounded. Minor base chipping with several letters still visible. One small area where the rim is chipped. No repairs.
Recovered: Chancellorsville, VA area.
Approximate size: .58-inch diameter; 1.12-inch length; 430 grains weight.
Reference: Similar examples can be found in the following Civil War relic reference books:
- "Civil War Projectiles II Small Arms & Field Artillery with Supplement" by W. Reid McKee and M. E. Mason, Jr. on page 62, item # 532.
- "Round Ball to Rimfire, Part One by Dean S. Thomas p. 191, #252 & 252A.
- "A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges" by James E. Thomas and Dean S. Thomas on page 41, #154A.
- "Civil War Artifacts of the Western Campaigns" by Charles S. Harris, page 195.
See above pages in additional images.
Comments: Samuel Gardiner, Jr. received patent #40,468 on November 23, 1863, for his exploding bullet or “musket shell.” This bullet has several distinctive characteristics. It has a dark color because it was cast of pewter which was harder than lead and would fragment. A fuse nozzle is visible in the cavity which leads to a powder-filled copper vessel in the center of the bullet. These bullets were simply intended to cause more damage to their target.
This explosive bullet will be an excellent addition to any Civil War bullet or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC9856
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