Used extensively in the Smith carbine, this ammunition specimen is a seldom encountered .50 caliber combustible cartridge in excellent original condition. The artifact has the conical bullet attached to a cartridge case made of light brown paper that would be completely consumed by the powder charge explosion. It did not need to be opened to expose the powder that was ignited by the flame from a regular percussion cap. The .50 caliber conical bullet and its accompanying powder charge are complete and wrapped in the original paper case. Wrapping is tight and intact with no rips or tears evident.  This is a prime example of a Smith combustible cartridge and it represents a fine specimen of Civil War carbine ammunition.