Civil War bullet collecting has become a popular hobby. This era of American history saw many changes is the technology of firearms and ammunition. The curtain was falling upon the old musketballs of the Revolution and bullets were entering the stage. The bullets of that day closely resembled what we are used to seeing today. More than 1,000 different types of bullets were used during the Civil War. The most commonly used type of bullet was the .58 caliber bullet with three rings at the base.
With the increasing popularity of Internet trade, Civil War bullets have become more collectible with rapid increases in price. Some uninformed sellers ask more in price than the bullets are worth. If you are just starting out in Civil War bullet collecting, you would be well advised to invest in a good price guide.
Other Artifacts
Many Civil War bullet collectors also collect other Civil War artifacts such as bullet molds or other relics. Some collectors also enjoy becoming a part of the numerous reenactor events that are held all across the country, acting out battles with other reenactors at towns and battlefields in many locations.
What is Bullet Collecting?
Civil War bullets can be bought from other collectors or you can go directly to the sites where some of the battles took place and recover artifacts yourself using a metal detector. In your search you may find many interesting artifacts such as buttons, buckles, or other metal utensils. Some of these artifacts will be buried deeply within the ground so a headset which will enable you to pay close attention to the various differences in tones will prove quite useful.
Where will these relics be found? There are still plenty of homestead sites where battles were fought. Keep in mind that hunting relics is prohibited on protected battlefields and you should always ask permission from the property owner before going onto the property and refill any holes that you dig. Do not leave gates open and treat the property with respect.
A Lasting Memorial
Some may have the opinion that hunting for bullets using a metal detector shows a distinct lack of respect for the soldiers who met their untimely ends there. This is due to the fact that bullet hunters do find bones at times along with the bullets. However, much of what we know about current Civil War history is because many of the finds have been documented and mapped adding to out historical knowledge.
The Civil War is a fascinating time in American History and while slavery was a terrible injustice upon the face of humanity, many other issues such as the debate on state rights v/s the rule of a central government are still debated and discussed. Civil War bullet collecting an at times be a sobering hobby in view of the many casualties for the causes of a divided nation. The recollection of blazing fields of corn and brother against brother will never be buried. Civil War bullet collecting is one way to make sure that the past and hopefully its' lessons remain forever alive in our minds.
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