Used extensively in the famous Sharps carbine and Sharp’s rifle, this ammunition specimen is a .52 caliber, combustible cartridge in very good original condition. Artifact has the bullet attached to a cartridge case made of white linen that was be completely consumed by the powder charge explosion when fired. It did not need to be opened to expose the powder that was ignited by the flame from a regular percussion cap. The .52 caliber minie ball and its accompanying powder charge are still encased within the original light colored linen wrap. Original linen has darkened and exhibits scattered brown coloring spots over the wrap. Butt seal is intact and no tears or rips are visible on the cartridge. A fine Civil War collectible.