Civil War Musket Nipple Protector, recovered at Oak Ridge, Gettysburg

This is the remains of a brass teardrop chain with the nipple protector. The Musket Nipple Protector, also called a Snapcap, was used to protect the musket nipple and hammer from damage during an accidental dry-fire. It also kept the nipple dry and clean. It was recovered at Oak Ridge, Gettysburg and was in the collection of Jim Black.

Oak Ridge was the site of intense, bitter fighting on the afternoon of July 1, 1863, during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Union I Corps troops established a resilient defensive line here against approaching Confederate forces but were ultimately overrun and forced to retreat to Cemetery Hill.

This relic shows the expected condition of a dug relic; however, it remains solid and not chipping or flaking. It comes in the glass display case pictured.