Presented here is a very fine, original, unopened Federal .69 caliber paper wrapped ‘Buck and Ball’ cartridge. This desirable artifact was the most common type of ammunition used with smoothbore muzzleloaders during the Civil War. The .69 caliber round ball and its accompanying powder charge was mated with three (3) .22 caliber ‘buckshot’ hence the name ‘buck and ball. When the round was fired, the buckshot would spread out from the .69 lead round ball and increase the chances of hitting the intended target. ‘Buck and ball’ was very effective at close range, but lost any effectiveness at long range.

The .69 caliber ball and the buckshot are still encased within the original beige or tan colored paper wrap. Very light soiling to the exterior paper surface. Has an applied green paint dot near the head. To load his musket, the soldier tore (or bit) off one end of the paper and poured the powder down the muzzle of the barrel. Cartridge comes encased in its own clear plastic cylindrical tube. This standard ‘buck and ball’ specimen, for a smoothbore musket, is in very fine condition. A superb example of a Civil War Federal infantryman’s paper cartridge.

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