Mini Mall Found in Naco Arizona

[BONE]

I think I posted in the wrong area earlier so here it is again. I found a lead mini ball across the street from a fort being restored in Naco Arizona. It's right on the Border and after reading about the town, there is some history there. Pancho Villa took over Naco Sonora in which is across from Naco Arizona during a 2 month long siege every home on the US side in Naco (not many homes as this has always been a small place) had several holes in them. Also, the Fort there which was occupied by the Buffalo Soldiers back in the late 1800's and early 1900's and is where it was found it. Well across the street. The thing I wonder is that they had cartridge's by then. The thing is that this bullet probably came from the Mexican side and was there a chance they were still using mini balls?

 

[BONE]

After looking at it more with magnifiers I think it's a modern round. Not sure just how old but the Cannelure (grooves) have serrations on the minie ball. The old civil war ones I have looked at don't. So it's only as old as when they started adding the serrations. This round was probable in a cartridge and crimped into place. Not sure but that's what I'm thinking. Oh the disapointment! LOL

 

[GRAY GHOST]

hi bone, i must agree with your reasoning... the round does have some age to it as shown by the white lead oxide patina on it. i figure its about a hundred + years old, give or take. it's definetly not civil war era, as shown by the crimp lines and caliber. if i'm not mistaken, there were several sizes of .45 cartriges used in the old west / indian wars era. cartridges became very popular after the civil war. thanks, and hh!

 

[slowmotion]

Hi Bone;
If you can get the size it will help. It looks like a 50 cal. Military used 50-70 from late 1860's to early 1870's. If you can check the size, 50 cal. should be about .500 plus and 45 cal. .450 plus.
A good tool to have is a 6" caliper. Harbor Fright has them for less than $10.00 It is good for checking
coins, tokens, bullets and so on. Hope this helps.
Willard in Spokane.

 

[BONE]

Thanks guys! I measured the bullet and it's out of round now but it looks to be .450 average. I'll just my eyes open and one day I may see another.

 

[RelicDigger1]

There's plenty of outstanding reference books out there that can guide you through identifying minies as well as confirming their usage, if they're period minies.

The Mason and McKee book is still considered a standard. And Dean Thomas' minie books are outstanding. Thomas also puts out a small (nearly) pocket-sized guide for quick reference at shows.

Any of the above and several others are tremendous tools for relic hunting and bullet identification.

Hope this helps.

Richard