This is a fired example of a .69 caliber Gardner bullet. This is the largest size of this pattern bullet. The bullet is in fired condition and exhibits marks from ramming and the musket rifling as well as some disfiguration on the nose from hitting something. But all typical Gardner characteristics remain visible and this will make an interesting addition to any Civil War ammunition collection.

Frederick Gardner received Confederate patent #12 dated August 17, 1861, for his bullet and cartridge making machine.  The bullet was cast with a flange around the bullet.  To make the cartridge, paper was rolled around a plunger to form the powder cylinder and a bullet was placed in a hole in the base plate.  By using a foot peddle, the plunger (and paper cylinder) were lowered into the base of the bullet forcing it through the hole.  In this one motion, the flange was crimped around the paper cylinder and the bullet was swaged to the proper diameter.  The powder tube was then filled and its end folded in the usual manner.  The majority of Gardner bullets were made at the Richmond Laboratory.  [jet]

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