How do I categorize this relic?

[mpach033]

Many years ago I was metal detecting on an old farm which was in close proximity to a Civil War skirmish site. On this farm I found two relics that are unmistakably from the Civil War. One was a lead sabot from an exploded Hotchkiss shell, and the other was a lead case shot possibly from the same shell. In close proximity to these relics I also found a .36 cal fired round ball which I believe came from a colt revolver. How can I determine if this round ball was from the Civil War or from a civilian firing his gun?

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. There were many other .36 caliber revolvers as well as Colt. I don't believe you have a prayer on that determination as to when it was fired.

 

[Discipulus]

You will have to use a "qualifier" when describing --

"Possibly fired in Civil War, found near other ACW relics"

-- the people who need to understand what you are saying, will understand.

 

[Tom Hughes]

It's really impossible to tell if your .36 calibre was fired during the civil war since cap and ball ammunition was used for many, many years prior to the war. BUT, they were used during the war, so you can be confident that you have found a good representative example of a bullet variety that was used during the war years.

 

[UCVRelics]

First of all Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. We would love to see photos of the items you found and as stated above, with it being a round ball it very hard to say that its CW for sure. Now if it was a drop and found in a CW camp it would help a little but not a positive. If it was a conical it would be a different discussion.

 

[mpach033]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was just trying to figure out a way to organize my relics.

 

[GwilymT]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was just trying to figure out a way to organize my relics.

there are several experts here (I am not one) but I'm sure sharing pictures of your relics will help.