Original Civil War non-dug complete Burnside Cartridge (SOLD)

The Burnside breech loading carbine was widely used by the Union Cavalry during the Civil War (see pictures). It fired the.54 caliber, brass cartridge as seen here. It was a unique, cone-shaped copper / brass casing with the lead bullet crimped at the head. Once loaded, a small hole in the cartridge base allowed the ignition fire to pass through and set off the internal black powder charge.

The brass tapered case has an acquired bronze patina, and the lead bullet is tightly crimped to the casing. This is a fine example of an original Civil War Burnside carbine brass cartridge.