Federal .58 Caliber 3-Ring Explosive Bullet - S. Gardiner Jr. Patent
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Item: Federal .58 Caliber 3-Ring Explosive Bullet - S. Gardiner Jr. Patent
Construction: Cast pewter with copper vessel. Raised letters on base: “S. GARDINER JR. SHELL PATENT SECURED” (incomplete on this example).
Condition: Excellent, excavated. Its surface has a smooth dark grey patina and a light mold seam. Its skirt and nozzle are nicely rounded. Only parts of letters of the patent mark remain visible with a magnifier and light on the bottom of the rim. No dings or repairs.
Recovered: Unknown.
Approximate size: .573-inch diameter; 1.12-inch length; 395 grains weight.
Reference: Similar examples are found in the following 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 & 536A (cross-section).
- "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 the 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 that leads to a powder-filled copper vessel in the center of the bullet. These bullets were simply intended to inflict more damage to their target.
This explosive bullet is a very fine example and will be an excellent addition to any Civil War bullet or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC11614
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