Union or Confederate?

[thrillathahunt]

Could someone ID this bullet for me?

 

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[thrillathahunt]

Big cy, It looks just like that Enfield..... rings, shape, everything. It is just a hair shy of 5/8 inch. So I quess it would be .58 caliber.

 

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[civilman1]

All he mentions is from the Selma Arsenal which is in Alabama. He gives no explanation, no pics, no link. I am not familiar with Minnie balls and I hope someone will be along to help. If I was to make a wild guess I would think he was saying Enfield bullet from the Selma Alabama Arsenal. Heres a pic from fortballs link. http://www.tennesseelead.com/

Why should I.....If that was your's wouldn't you want to do a little research for yourself

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

All he mentions is from the Selma Arsenal which is in Alabama. He gives no explanation, no pics, no link. I am not familiar with Minnie balls and I hope someone will be along to help. If I was to make a wild guess I would think he was saying Enfield bullet from the Selma Alabama Arsenal. Heres a pic from fortballs link. http://www.tennesseelead.com/

Why should I.....If that was your's wouldn't you want to do a little research for yourself

No, if I post it here, I have come to a dead end. I would try to research from any clue but if somebody knew, I would hope they would give me a link or picture. I have a similar situation with my bullet mold. A member has given me a huge clue, even a pic, but I am still at a dead end as to the make and country of origin. I wish he would have left me a link. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,20480.0.html

BTW nice guess because I think you were basically right. I have no problem with you guessing but I questioned the green check so quickly without a pic or link to support it.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Big cy, It looks just like that Enfield..... rings, shape, everything. It is just a hair shy of 5/8 inch. So I quess it would be .58 caliber.

I shouldnt have posted here because I really dont know these bullets. I was just following civilmans lead and fortbballs link. I think we need a pic of the bottom to be sure. I think its ok to bend it open a bit.

 

[thrillathahunt]

OK, I will try to open up the end and take a look inside. Stay tuned for another pic, maybe tomorrow.

 

[civilman1]

All he mentions is from the Selma Arsenal which is in Alabama. He gives no explanation, no pics, no link. I am not familiar with Minnie balls and I hope someone will be along to help. If I was to make a wild guess I would think he was saying Enfield bullet from the Selma Alabama Arsenal. Heres a pic from fortballs link. http://www.tennesseelead.com/

Why should I.....If that was your's wouldn't you want to do a little research for yourself

No, if I post it here, I have come to a dead end. I would try to research from any clue but if somebody knew, I would hope they would give me a link or picture. I have a similar situation with my bullet mold. A member has given me a huge clue, even a pic, but I am still at a dead end as to the make and country of origin. I wish he would have left me a link. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,20480.0.html

BTW nice guess because I think you were basically right. I have no problem with you guessing but I questioned the green check so quickly without a pic or link to support it.

That's Cool BigCy.....Maybe next time i'll grab Momma and have her do all that Crap.....I swear I'm a "retread" on the computer

 

[BuckleBoy]

OK, I will try to open up the end and take a look inside. Stay tuned for another pic, maybe tomorrow.

Please don't destroy the bullet just to see the base. Go out and find some more relics in that same spot and it will be easier to ID your find.

 

[civilman1]

OK, I will try to open up the end and take a look inside. Stay tuned for another pic, maybe tomorrow.

Please don't destroy the bullet just to see the base. Go out and find some more relics in that same spot and it will be easier to ID your find.

Yep....Good point Buckle's.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

OK, I will try to open up the end and take a look inside. Stay tuned for another pic, maybe tomorrow.

Please don't destroy the bullet just to see the base. Go out and find some more relics in that same spot and it will be easier to ID your find.

Is it best to leave it smashed?

 

[BuckleBoy]

OK, I will try to open up the end and take a look inside. Stay tuned for another pic, maybe tomorrow.

Please don't destroy the bullet just to see the base. Go out and find some more relics in that same spot and it will be easier to ID your find.

Is it best to leave it smashed?

The bullet appears to have been fired. If he opens up the base of the bullet, the white patina will crumble away. It would destroy the relic. I have many fired examples that are in far worse condition.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The bullet appears to have been fired. If he opens up the base of the bullet, the white patina will crumble away. It would destroy the relic. I have many fired examples that are in far worse condition.

I didnt realize it was fired or that it would crumble. You really need to be very careful straightening a bent relic. Maybe the best advice is to leave it as is. Thanks.

 

[thrillathahunt]

OK, I will try to open up the end and take a look inside. Stay tuned for another pic, maybe tomorrow.

Please don't destroy the bullet just to see the base. Go out and find some more relics in that same spot and it will be easier to ID your find.

It's a good thing I looked at this thread again before I tried to open up this bullet!!! Thanks Buckles, you have a great point there.

 

[thrillathahunt]

As far as going back to the site to find more.......it's about 350 miles away from central Texas and won't be going back very soon.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I have repaired damaged relics with some success but if you feel it will damage it further, than dont do it.

I only have the one pic to look at but it doesnt look like it got this way from firing. It looks like it was smashed at some later date. But I could be wrong.

 

[BuckleBoy]

I have repaired damaged relics with some success but if you feel it will damage it further, than dont do it.

I only have the pic to look at but it doesnt look like it got this way from firing. It looks like it was smashed at some later date. But I could be wrong.

Repairing a damaged lead relic is troublesome due to the fact that the patina flakes off very easily. Brass and copper relics are much easier.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I tried to bend back a very old piece of lead sheathing and I broke it in half.

 

[thrillathahunt]

I have repaired damaged relics with some success but if you feel it will damage it further, than dont do it.

I only have the pic to look at but it doesnt look like it got this way from firing. It looks like it was smashed at some later date. But I could be wrong.

Repairing a damaged lead relic is troublesome due to the fact that the patina flakes off very easily. Brass and copper relics are much easier.

I agree 100% It's better left as it is.

Thanks for all of your comments guys. Can I mark this one solved then? Enfield, Selma Arsenal?

 

[BuckleBoy]

It is not an Enfield--it is a minieball. Yes, it does look like Mason & McKee #350. Nice work, BigCy

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It is not an Enfield--it is a minieball. Yes, it does look like Mason & McKee #350. Nice work, BigCy

It was Civilman that IDed it as Selma Arsenal, Alabama. I just found the pic.

 

[BuckleBoy]

It is not an Enfield--it is a minieball. Yes, it does look like Mason & McKee #350. Nice work, BigCy

It was Civilman that IDed it as Selma Arsenal, Alabama. I just found the pic.

Bravo to you both.