Federal .58 Caliber 3-Ring Explosive Bullet - Base Letters Visible

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Item: Federal .58 Caliber 3-Ring Explosive Bullet - Base Letters Visible
Construction: Cast pewter with copper vessel. Raised letters on base:  “S. GARDINER JR. SHELL PATENT SECURED”
Condition: Excellent, a near perfect example. It has a dark patina and a visible mold seam. Its skirt and nozzle are nicely rounded. Nearly every letter on the base is visible. See the additional images of this bullet's base to see these letters. No repairs.
Recovered: Has a Pennsylvania provenance but specifics are unknown.
Approximate size: .571 inch diameter; 1.13 inch length; 409.9 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.

The above pages are included 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 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 is one of the finest examples I have be able to offer and it will be an excellent addition to any Civil War bullet or general relic collection.


Product Code:
PC9854

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