Civil War Relic ??

[ctj70]

Going on the idea of a union Civil War camp site and possible skirmish site in NC... I found this item (pic 1&2) yesterday along with 7 round lead balls, part of a spoon with the name C. Parker engraved (1800’s flatware mfg in CT), a boot tip, a 31 or 32 caliber hollow based bullet, and a few small pieces of bronze or copper. The piece in the picture is about 3/4” to 1” in diameter. I believe the material is lead. It appears to have a front and back side attached with ribs and has a small space in between front & back. It has been struck by a round projectile, (bullet I guess). My guess is the impact broke off half of the material of the outer circumference that covered or hid the hollow center. The outer circumference material that is still in place has ridges like a Quarter Dollar, but only where it meets the front and back as if it was crimped. The back has NO marking or attachments like a button has. The front has two letters and a star that can be seen. One letter is an N. The other (maybe a U) and possibly more I can not tell for sure what they are because of the damage from the object being shot. I appreciate any ideas or leads to research.

 

[ncplumber]

That;s a lead seal.

 

[ctj70]

Thanks! I have been looking into civil war era lead seals. It seems they have a few uses and the meaning of the markings can vary too. At least I have something to explore, thanks for your help.

 

[duggap]

They were often used on the train cars.

 

[Tpmetal]

They were often used on the train cars.

the ones used on train car doors were much larger. These smaller ones were from goods that were wrapped and sealed in wire to ensure one or two didn't go missing in transit.

 

[Tpmetal]

Also i do not believe it has been shot. That is an impression. Can't remember how they are applied but it probably has to do with that

 

[ctj70]

When I saw that NCplumber recognized it as a lead seal, I was starting to doubt the "being shot" theory too. I've seen some pics where it looks like the tool to crimp the seal also makes a marking impression. This one it seems the "UN & star" may be cast into the lead and the dimple is from the tool that crimped it. I appreciate the comments.