Confederate Graffiti Bullet

Joined
Sep 24, 2013
Messages
12
Reaction score
50
Golden Thread
0
Location
Southern Maryland
Detector(s) used
Minelab GPX 5000-Minelab Excalibur
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
Hello everybody. I was referred to this site by a buddy of mine who is a member here already. I made a pretty fascinating find a few months ago and wanted to share it with all of you. I was invited by (Rockydig) to hunt one of Barksdales 13th Mississippi infantry regiment encampments in Northern Virginia. On some of the pervious hunts Rocky and his father had unearthed five beautiful Mississippi "I" buttons. So once I received that call to hunt with them I was so excited. Unfortunately no buttons where found that day, I had recovered four bullets and some melted lead knowing that the spot we had just hunted was a spot that would produce quality not quantity relics, I was still happy with my finds. That evening when I got home I placed my finds on a paper towel next to the sink just like I do every time I go detecting. A few days had past and I decided to clean the bullets and of course I started with the only enfield dug that day. I cleaned the base first hoping for a letter or a number but with no luck I started cleaning the outside of the bullet. I immediately noticed what I looked like letters and words showing, I shook my head a few times in disbelief and readjusted my eyes. Once I finished cleaning the bullet I was able to read what was engraved on the side of it and called Rocky to tell him the great news.

The bullet is a .577 enfield and the writing says: G.M. Mott
On the other side - a message to President Lincoln: To Old Abe

The soldier who wrote on the bullet was George M Mott. George signed on in June 13, 1861 at the age of 21 with Company E 13th Mississippi Infantry as a private. He fought from Manassas in 1861 all the way through Fisher's Hill or Cedar Creek in 1864. George was fortunate to make it through the war without getting wounded but was captured April 3, 1865 and paroled on April 18th. After the war he became a physician and lived until 1906.

Hope you all enjoy it and thanks for viewing!




photo (3) (640x480).webpphoto (2) (640x480).webpphoto (1) (640x480).webp
 

Upvote 29
incredible find. that is really cool.
 

That is truly an incredible and very personal piece of history. Thank you for taking the time to share that with is. Everyone on here has nothing but respect for an item like that. I was named Abe after President Lincoln so it's really cool for me to see that. Thanks again
 

How rare of a find is this. The fact you found a dropped bullet with the CSA soldier's name on it and a personal message, and were able to then turn around and research this gentleman and his history. Very cool!
 

Very interesting and cool find, congrats!
 

I have seen two other bullets dug with writing, but they don't come close to comparing to yours. Super find.
 

CONGRATULATIONS!! Awesome find. Great research. WOW, the most interesting save I've seen in years. Thanks for sharing.
 

A very unique find indeed, as stated before it's "Banner worthy".
 

Very, very, very nice! I'd definitely be flipping my lid if I seen that come to light.
 

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. Banner worthy or not really didn't matter to me but I do appreciate those who did vote banner :hello2: I just had to share this unique find with everyone who truly cares. I'm looking for insight on where I could put it on loan (museum?) for others to enjoy as well. Do any of you happen to know of any reputable dealers that could appraise this for me? If you could provide any insight please send me a PM. Glad to be a part of such a great online community. Thanks again everyone!
 

I'll bet you were thrilled to see those letters looking back at you,very unusual find.
 

thats a cool find
 

banner for sure
 

I vote Banner! To find a 'signature' on this is so rare and personal. This bullet has been on my mind all day!! Thanks for sharing this story!
 

NOW what you should do is locate family members and see if they would like to purchase this EXTREMELY RARE item for their family!

Mike
 

NOW what you should do is locate family members and see if they would like to purchase this EXTREMELY RARE item for their family! Mike
Hey mike I appreciate your suggestion by contacting the extended family of Mott but I've had little to no luck what so ever going that route. Thanks Jason
 

Very awesome find. Thanks for sharing. BTW - voted for banner.
 

Hey guys thanks for viewing again! I'm glad you all enjoy this bullet as much as I do. And again thanks to all that have voted BANNER, but being that this is my first post on the site they won't put it up there. Thank you all again ever much!
 

Wow that is truly an important and amazing piece of history! Thats probably one of the coolest relics I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing!
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top