Minié Ball (fired), in found condition, lightly cleaned only.
Circa 1861–1865 (American Civil War)
Conical lead bullet with hollow base, designed for rifled muskets.
 
Location found: Norfolk
Dimension: length approximately 1.8 cm 

Typically fired from Springfield Model 1861 Rifled Musket (Union) or Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifled Musket (Confederate), these bullets were standard issue for infantry soldiers on both sides during the American Civil War.
The hollow-based design allowed the bullet to expand into the rifling grooves of the musket barrel, imparting spin for greater accuracy and range. Fired Minié balls are often found flattened or deformed, reflecting battlefield impact.
The soft lead construction caused significant deformation on impact, creating the characteristic “mushroomed” tip. Rifling marks on the bullet indicate the type of musket from which it was fired. Minié balls revolutionized infantry warfare in the mid-19th century by enabling more accurate long-range fire compared to smoothbore muskets.
 
Free UK P&P