Minié ball 19th century Civil War Crimea lead patina

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

The item shown in the photo is a 19th-century Minié ball, recognizable by its cylindro-conical shape and the several regular annular grooves on its lower part. Light gray to white in color, the bullet has a matte, powdery patina, typical of old lead projectiles exposed to time and the environment. The surface shows natural oxidation marks and some signs of impact or handling, without any major visible chips on the exposed side.

The Minié ball is characterized here by its rounded tip and the central cavity visible on the base, an element designed at the time to improve projectile expansion during firing. The circular grooves on the lower skirt are well-preserved and testify to the manufacturing and use methods of the 19th century. No markings or inscriptions are visible on the presented side.

The piece is displayed in a case with a gilded decor, which highlights the contrast between the light hue of the projectile and the dark presentation of the support. The overall appearance evokes a historical find, with authentic wear and a homogeneous patina that confirm its age. The edges do not show any major cracks or significant deformations on the visible part.

The Minié ball presented here is typical of projectiles used during major conflicts such as the American Civil War and the Crimean War, as suggested by the keywords. The object has a raw and authentic appearance, with no apparent restorations or modern additions to the exposed area.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presence of old patina, traces of oxidation, and visible signs of wear on the surface.

Did you know? The Minié ball was invented in the 1840s by Claude-Étienne Minié, a French officer. Its adoption revolutionized light artillery in the 19th century: its hollow shape allowed the projectile to expand in the barrel during firing, thus offering increased accuracy and range. This type of bullet was massively used during the Crimean War (1853-1856) and the American Civil War (1861-1865).

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping, careful packaging, and tracked delivery assured by a professional seller specializing in historical items.

Keywords: Minié ball, 19th-century lead projectile, antique ammunition, American Civil War, Crimea, historical bullet, Minié bullet, old lead bullet, antique weapon, 19th-century militaria, vintage ammunition, collectible projectile