This relic is a rarity and likely gave the soldier a shock. This is a .58 caliber three-groove “minie ball” that was fired into a brass Enfield tompion.

Tompions were like “stoppers” to be placed in the muzzle of a musket to keep dirt and moisture out. Some were made of turned wood and others, like this one for the English Enfield rifle, were made with cork supported by a brass cap and stem.

Occasionally, a soldier rushed to fire his weapon and forgot that the tompion was in place. This is what happens when lead meets brass and cork! No doubt an especially loud noise and “kick” for the soldier.

This piece was recovered on Culp’s Hill and was previously in the local Rosensteel collection. [jet][ph:L]

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