Did you know that during the Civil War, more than 1000 different
types of bullets were used? This is one reason Civil War bullet
collecting has become a popular hobby. Another reason is that
the time of the Civil War saw changes taking place in the
development of firearms and ammunition. The old round musket
balls of the Revolution were being replaced with bullets in the
shape we are accustomed to. While musket balls are found on
Civil War battlefields, the most common type of bullet used was
the .58-caliber bullet with three rings around the base. Many
bullets found are splattered out of shape. If you've always been
fascinated by the Civil War and firearms, Civil War bullet
collecting is a hobby you will enjoy.
With the advent of Internet buying and selling, Civil War
bullets have become more collectible, and the prices have gone
up quickly. Not only this, sometimes sellers are not informed
and ask more than the bullet is worth. For these reasons, if you
are just starting out in Civil War bullet collecting, you will
want to buy a good price guide. You can even find a price guide
online if that works better for you.
Many Civil War bullet collectors also collect bullet molds and
other relics from the Civil War era. A real enthusiast might
even investigate the possibility of becoming a Civil War
re-enactor, acting out battles with others in towns and fields
across the Southeast.
Civil War bullets can be collected by buying from other
collectors, or you can begin by going directly to the
battlefields to dig and search. A metal detector will make Civil
War bullet collecting easier. You may also find buttons from
uniforms, bullet molds, belt buckles, and other metal items from
the battle. Some of the bullets may be buried quite deep. You
will need to wear a headset and pay close attention to the
changes in tone in your metal detector. Hunting Civil War relics
is prohibited on protected battlefields, but there are still old
home sites where battles were fought. Be sure to get permission
from the owner and fill any holes you dig.
Some people have the idea that hunting for bullets with a metal
detector indicates a lack of respect for the soldiers who died
there. They get this idea because sometimes bullet hunters find
bones along with the bullet. The fact is, however, that many of
the bullet hunters who have found bullets this way have
chronicled and mapped out there finds, resulting in many of the
facts that we now know about the Civil War.
The Civil War fascinates Americans because of everything it
stands for. While everyone agrees that slavery is a terrible
blot on the history of the U.S., there are some people who still
discuss the issue of states' rights versus a strong central
government. Civil War bullet collecting is an interesting hobby,
though somewhat sobering at times when considering the great
number of casualties. The memory of brother fighting against
brother out in the cornfields and pastures will never go away.
Civil War bullet collecting is one way to commemorate this
monumental historical event.
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