Presented here is a true rarity in the small arms ammunition-collecting field. This outstanding original artifact is an unopened, Confederate .69 caliber paper wrapped cartridge filled with a number of .31 caliber buckshot. Used with the .69 caliber smoothbore muskets, this specimen is believed to have been manufactured at the Columbus Arsenal in Georgia during the Civil War. In complete, intact and outstanding original condition, this desirable buckshot cartridge artifact is not commonly encountered in the ammunition collecting field today. This type of cartridge was utilized from the War of 1812 through the Civil War and it was considered to be an effective musket load for guard duty and Indian fighting also.

The buckshot is tied off in the cartridge with white twine while the paper column was filled with black powder and closed by twisting the tail. Tail was then laid flat along the cylindrical case. The .31 caliber buckshot with their accompanying powder charge are still encased and tightly wrapped within the original tan-beige-colored paper wrap. The paper wrap or column is clean and unblemished and remarkably intact with no tears, rips or perforations. This rare and unique specimen of Confederate buckshot cartridge ammunition is in absolutely mint condition. A superb and intact original example of ammunition used during the war by Confederate infantrymen.