Having A Hayday With The 800

[Chase Goldman]

On 5/21/2019 at 7:20 PM, Dan(NM) said:

I scored what I believe are 2 Confederate ringtail Sharps

Dan, those are indeed ringtail Sharps carbine minie balls, but most likely they were from the carbines carried by the US Dragoon troops whose buttons you keep finding there as USA troops also used the ringtail design.  Dragoons were mounted like Cavalry (but typically fought dismounted) and as such used carbine rifles like Sharps, Spencers, and Burnsides.  CSA Cavalry troops also used Sharps carbines and manufactured some "knockoff" Sharps carbine designs.  Ringtail cartridges are most often associated with CSA troops because their arsenals lacked the capability to produce the newer Sharps molds and linen cartridges (which were pasted onto the ball instead of needing the extra "tie ring" required by the old style paper tie cartridges) carried by USA troops during most of of the war, so when ringtails are recovered in areas known for cavalry engagements during the war, it is presumed they are most likely CSA projectiles (though you cannot tell unless a distinguishing arsenal mark is visible).  The context and history of record of your outpost site would probably fill in the gaps of the story your finds are helping to write.  Enjoy your fun site as long as it lets you, you are pulling some great relics.