This is an original cartridge containing a .58 caliber, Williams, Type III bullet.  Patented and manufactured by Elijah D. Williams.  Williams’ patent called for the use of zinc washers and a pin or plunger as a means for the bullet to take the rifling of the musket.  In operation, the powder gases directly or indirectly flattened the washers causing them to expand into the rifling.  The flattened washers also scraped away the fouling in the bore as they exited the gun, hence the nickname “cleaners.”

The Williams bullet has a distinctive nose and rings as well as the “plunger”.  This style with a “plunger” was patented December 9, 1862 (#37,145).  The bullet in this cartridge, the “type III”, has two rings with one disk (no slits) secured by a cast plunger.  Produced later in the war, this shorter version of the Williams bullet is the result of rising lead prices. Cartridges are found in red, blue, and tan paper.

Light corrosion on the bullet has caused a small (1/2” long) split in the paper. Otherwise the cartridge is in good condition showing good blue color to the paper.  The blue Williams cartridge is one of those you don’t encounter often.  [jet]

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