VERY Unusual cartridge from Indian Wars era

[jagdpolizei]

I am trying to figure out the identity and purpose of this unusual cartridge. The case (only the brass or copper case) measures .5" (50 cal) and is 1 5/8" in length.....there is no base, therefor no headstamp. The projectile is pointed and appears to be manufacture this way. The base does not appear to have been cut off or deteriorated away....almost looks like it was manufacture this way....sort looks like one of those Morse cartridges, however this one, as well as the fired cases I have found (fired ones are just the cartridge tube measuring .5" diameter x 1 5/8" length), is clearly 50 cal. Thanks much in advance for any help View attachment 1157757View attachment 1157758View attachment 1157759

 

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[DCMatt]

Indentations on the tube in your pics show that it was crimped on to something. Maybe a tent pole top?

Perhaps the projectile fitting in it is just coincidental?

I'm not sure it is a cartridge of any kind...

Let's see what some of the gun guys say...

DCMatt

 

[Red James Cash]

Most likely not a cartridge.Copper casings were notorious for having the rifles extractor ripping the rim off the casing during extraction.(that was one of custers problems at little bighorn,his other problem was he was an idiot)If your case is copper it looks to even and clean for that to have happened.

 

[GaRebel1861]

Most likely not a cartridge.Copper casings were notorious for having the rifles extractor ripping the rim off the casing during extraction.(that was one of custers problems at little bighorn,his other problem was he was an idiot)If your case is copper it looks to even and clean for that to have happened.

Yep!

 

[releventchair]

They hint of being ferrule's as DC Matt is leaning towards..
The pup tent a good idea.
Maybe feet for shooting sticks.
Survey equipment feet or camera tripod.
(?)

 

[Red James Cash]

Survey equipment

That could be,i use to build foundations and used a transit.

 

[jagdpolizei]

I will research this....thanks much for all of your thoughts/experience

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Was it found with the "projectile" in it? One thought that comes to mind is some sort of arrow head, but that's just a wag....

 

[jagdpolizei]

Yeah...the projectile was found in the case.....the other 'empties' are same dimension in length and are perfect .50 cal dia....weird.....am wondering if there had been any experimental cartridge in this cal from the period which lacked the base or had a removable base, much like a 45-70 pattern which had attempted to use a removable base