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 such as these, “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.

These were recovered in Rock Creek that runs on the east side of Gettysburg. Likely from Federal troops of the 11^th Corps on July 1, 1863.  Several regiments in the 11^th Corps were issued these explosive bullets prior to the Battle of Chancellorsville and nearly all recoveries of these rare bullets come from their positions at Chancellorsville or Gettysburg.

Because they were recovered from in Rock Creek, their condition is excellent with a clean, smooth exterior and much of the lettering still readable around the skirt.

These particular relics were recovered by a local relic hunter and acquired directly from him. [jet] [ph:L]

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