Possible CW bullet ID needed

[DCMatt]

Found this in the side yard of an 1850's house in The Plains, VA. Appears to be 50 caliber. Solid base. No 'rings'. Single 'crimp' mark near the base but it does not look like a modern crimp. What say ye?







DCMatt

 

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[HomeGuardDan]

You have a .54 Star Carbine bullet. Nice find. Civil War era for sure. Hunt that site more.

Dan

 

[duggap]

Look real close at the ring around the bullet and see if you see any crimp marks.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Your bullet's characteristics:
1- a single wide RAISED ring at its bottom,
2- faint groove above the raised ring,
3- pointed nose,
4- diameter a little more than .50-inch,
6- length approximately .9-inch.

Those characterisitcs cause me to agree with HomeGuardDan that it is a civil war era US .54-caliber Starr breechloading rifle bullet. The "Handbook of Civil War Bullets & Cartridges" says an UNFIRED .54-caliber Starr bullet's diameter is .552-inch, and length is .91-inch. See photo and info on page 34, bullet #94.

 

[DCMatt]

CBG & HomeGuardDan - Thanks for the info. I really should buy some calipers... I see the Starr was a late war, Federal issued weapon and mostly sent to the Western theater. Any thoughts on a Starr carbine bullet being found in Northern Virginia?

DCMatt

 

[HomeGuardDan]

I have recovered Starr Carbine bullets in South Eastern VA, Norther VA, Central VA, and Eastern NC (Sherman's March). Almost always these were at cavalry camps.

 

[Old Dude]

Great recovery. Not sure if it's the lighting, but it has a very unique patina. You guys just amaze me with your knowledge of calibers and makers. Thank you, CBG for mentioning that book. I always wonder what reference materials you use, and so I just bought it. Looks like a great tool! Thanks DCMatt for your great pics so we all can learn.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

DCMatt wrote:
> I really should buy some calipers.

Matt, a good-quality Digital Caliper (which measures in thousandths-of-an-inch) can now be bought for $15-$20. Check the Harbor Freight Tools website, or go to one of their local stores. Also, Ebay has lots of them available for $15... but watch out for a sneaky super-high Shipping fee by Ebay sellers. Here's a link to a very good one at the Harbor Freight Tools website:
Digital Calipers - Save on these 6 Inch Digital Calipers

Info for anybody here who doesn't already know:
A Digital Caliper will pay for itself many times... because very-precise measuring is crucial for getting the CORRECT identification of not just bullets but also for ID-ing coins, buttons, buckles, etc.