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Federal .58 Caliber Three-Piece Shaler Bullet

Item: Federal .58 Caliber Three-Piece Shaler Bullet
Caliber: .58
Condition: Very good, excavated, complete. Overall matching white patina with areas of grey. There is a slight push to one side of the top section as shown in the additional images of the base view. The other two sections are in great shape and, even with the push in the top section, the fit of all three pieces together is fairly good.
Recovered: Unknown. 
Approximate size: .576-inch average diameter; 1.47-inch length; 665 grains weight.
Reference: Similar examples can be found in the following Civil War relic reference books:

• "Round Ball to Rimfire, Part One by Dean S. Thomas p. 210.
• "Civil War Projectiles II Small Arms & Field Artillery with Supplement" by W. Reid McKee and M. E. Mason, Jr. on page 61, item #521.
• "A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges" by James E. Thomas and Dean S. Thomas on page 41, #155D.

See above pages in the additional images. 

Comments: The Shaler bullet is by far one of the most interesting bullets used during the Civil War. It is a multi-piece .58 caliber projectile that was invented by Reuben Shaler and patented on August 12, 1862. After it was fired, the three sections would spread apart allowing for more impact points on its designated target. I have also included page 193 from Round Ball to Rimfire, Part One mentioned above that includes Reuben Shaler's letter, dated October 9, 1861, introducing his invention to the War Department.

This Shaler three-piece bullet was acquired directly from the digger's family. Based on the patina and appearance of all three sections, they were likely all dug from the same campsite, if not from the same hole. If you are looking for a nice specimen, then this complete Shaler bullet will be an excellent addition to any Civil War excavated bullet or general relic collection.

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Product Code:

PC12485

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Price:

$125.00

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