Minie Ball 19th Century Civil War Crimea cast lead projectile

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

The projectile shown in close-up in the photo is a Minié ball, identifiable by its characteristic cylindro-conical shape and its three clearly visible annular grooves on the outer surface. The ball has an obvious opening at its base, typical of the Minié model, designed to improve ballistic efficiency in 19th-century rifled firearms. Its surface shows a light, predominantly pale grey patina, in places marked with traces of oxidation and deposits, testifying to its age and exposure to the environment.

The piece displayed here reveals subtle bluish and white nuances, with irregular marks and some visible cracks, a sign of a long stay in soil or an old impact. The circular grooves are clean and regular, highlighting the casting manufacturing method, used for mass production at the time. No inscription or marking is visible on the photographed side.

The Minié ball is placed in a display case with a gold-colored decoration and dark textile lining, which highlights its details and contrasts with the light color of the projectile. This choice of presentation emphasizes the historical character of the object, while allowing for precise observation of the external structure and the cavity at the base.

This ammunition is typical of that used during major 19th-century conflicts, notably the American Civil War and the Crimean War, as suggested by the keywords. The general appearance, shape, and patina correspond to authentic projectiles from this period, with no visible modern elements.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presence of cracks, superficial wear, and deposits on the surface, visible in the photo. The structure remains generally stable, with a patina and marks consistent with an old discovery.

Did you know? The Minié ball, invented by Claude-Étienne Minié in 1849, revolutionized weaponry by enabling increased firing rates and improved accuracy in rifled muskets. It was massively used during the Civil War and the Crimean War, marking a key step in the evolution of military projectiles.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging. Sale guaranteed by an experienced professional, specializing in historical and military objects.

Keywords: Minié ball, lead projectile, 19th-century ammunition, Civil War, Crimea, rifle bullet, Minié bullet ammunition, cast bullet, military history, ancient projectile, Civil War bullet, Crimean War ammunition