This is a .58 caliber Gardiner explosive bullet. Samuel Gardiner 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.  On good specimens, “S. Gardiner Jr. Shell Patent Secured” can be found in raised letters around the base.  A fuse nozzle is visible in the cavity.  This nozzle leads to a powder-filled copper vessel in the center of the bullet.

This specimen is in good condition with very little pitting. A few scattered letters can be found on the skirt.  Although it is unknown where this was bullet was recovered, these are most often found in areas associated with the Union Third and Eleventh Corps from the time of the Chancellorsville campaign through the Gettysburg campaign.  [jet]

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