Bullet?

[Marna]

I found this on a small beach in CT this winter during a break in the weather. Can anyone tell me anything about it? The fishing weight was found on the same beach but not together; I just happened to photgraph them together.[/img]

[WThesing]

Marna, I can't see it clearly enough, but appears to be a bullet. If the "rings" are concentric (they are gas checks), and the base looking to be somewhat hollowed, I would say 90%. There are also small lead "anchors" shaped similarly which are used to imbed in concrete / stone that are attacment points to drive a screw into. When the screw is turned the lead casing expands inside the hole, thus locking in place. The rounded end makes for easier insertion into a drilled hole.

[Detector]

Sure looks like a bullet too me. Here in Kansas I find quite a few of this type at Fort Dodge(1864-1881) but the name escapes me at the moment. I need more coffee. I'm thinking 50cal spencer

[Marna]

Thanks. That's more info than I've had. Someone else had suggested the anchor too, but there's only a small indentation in the bottom, not a hollow where a screw would go. Cool!

[hoser]

I would go with the bullet route. All the lead anchors I have seen and come into contact with have a groove down the sides, or are two piece so it allows them to expand. And if you say that there is no signs of internal threads, that just tells me its probably a bullet.

[Detector]

Its a Springfield 45/70 adopted by the military in 1873 so it is a post-war bullet.

[Marna]

Thanks! That's exactly what it looks like, the one in your picture. So I guess I'll keep on my desk and think about spring!