This is a .58 caliber Shaler bullet. Ruben & Ira Shaler received patent #36,197 on August 12, 1862 for their sectional bullet.  In theory, the pieces separated after exiting the barrel making “one man equal to three.”  However, the separate sections were inaccurate and often stuck together.  There are three different nose segments and three different base segments that can be found in various combinations.  The middle segment is fairly uniform in all combinations.

This specimen features the tall, one-groove nose segment and a solid base piece. Matching tan patina on pieces and you can plainly see that this was dug all together (not reconstructed) as the distinct patina lines show that they were stuck together in the ground.

Unlike those recently recovered in a Union winter camp, this was dug long ago and exhibits a smooth, clean surface. [jet] [ph:L]

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