Field Made Musket Nipple Protector

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This excavated field-made musket nipple protector is an exceptionally nice example and was likely constructed from a large caliber bullet. Nipple protectors were used by soldiers to prevent damage to the gun's nipple. The nipple was that part of the gun that received the firing cap upon which the hammer of the gun struck in order to create a spark. The small opening in the nipple allowed the spark of the percussion cap to travel through to ignite the gunpowder. What is interesting is the distortion of the bullet from repeated firing of the musket in order to mold the soft lead on and around the nipple. The long prong visible in the base of the bullet is the result of the lead forced into the hole of the nipple. This example has an overall white patina and measures approximately .671-inch diameter x .667-inch height. It was acquired directly from the digger who recovered it from a campsite in the area of Quantico, VA and it will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War field made, carved bullet or general relic collection. 

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 73, items 1-9.
  • "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch on page 98, item 14.
  • "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War 1861-1865" by Stanley S. Phillips on page 196, item 22.
  • "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War 1861-1865 Supplement I" by Stanley S. Phillips on page 150.

See above pages in additional images. 

Product Code:
PC8836
This brand is available for:
MISC. EXCAVATED ITEMS , NEW ITEMS , GREAT GIFT IDEAS , BULLETS

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