Old ammo? Bullet looking items found

[Bartek]

Been sitting on this for we days trying to figure out what exactly I have.

The overall shape and size makes me think intact bullets of some sort, then the questions make me think it's junk? ... odd shape (wider at top), the firing pin looks deep, bullet to casing seam looks as one, and hollow tip style bullet?

Any insight will be appreciated

 

[pistol-pete]

Don't know what they are BUT definately not cartridges!

 

[villagenut]

maybe pulls that went on the end of a string or chain for lamp switching or mini blind raising/lowering.

 

[oooldman]

54 cal burnside cartridge
The .54 caliber Burnside carbine was designed and patented by Ambrose E. Burnside. This weapon was manufactured in Rhode Island by the Bristol Firearms Company and later, its successor, the Burnside Rifle Company, from about 1857 to 1865. Throughout these years, five different models were manufactured. Lowering the trigger guard, which also served as the operating lever, would cause the breech to tilt up, revealing a cone-shaped cavity. The metallic cartridge for the Burnside, of a unique cone shape, was placed into this cavity. Closing the lever rotated the breech block into position, placing the cartridge in the chamber. A percussion ignition system with an external hammer fired the carbine. A small hole at the base of the cartridge would allow the fire to pass through and ignite the powder in the case.

The Burnside was the third most used carbine utilized by the Union cavalry, exceeded only by the Sharps and Spencer carbines. The most serious complaint about this carbine was the tendency of the cartridge to stick in the breech once it was fired.

Division of the History of Technology, Armed Forces History
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Behring Center
Transfer from the U.S. War Department

 

[watercolor]

I think those are from a Nichols Mark 1 children's cap pistol

 

[jewelerguy]

I'm not so sure that they are Burnside cartridges. They don't have the bulge at the base of the seated bullet which I believe was for a lubricating grease. However, they are civil war era reverse taper metallic cartridges. Possibly rare, and possibly worth some cash, and definitely worth further research

 

[nhbenz]

I believe Watercolor is correct about them being from a Nichols cap gun; http://www.google.com/search?sclien....64.tablet-gws..9.2.751...30i10k1.HGNVumpVqSM

 

[vhs07]

I think those are from a Nichols Mark 1 children's cap pistol

Great ID watercolor!

 

[Bartek]

I think those are from a Nichols Mark 1 children's cap pistol

I think that's it! Thanks Watercolor!!

 

[oooldman]

i would sure like to see a photo of the nichols mark 1 shell..... as i do not remember them looking like that they were 2 piece and looked like a 38 cartridge with a rimed case. the caps were green and just stuck onto the base. please if you have one or a good photo of one post it or send it to me on PM thanks

 

[oooldman]

OK I DID SEE THE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY nhbenz ...... i STAND CORRECTED THANK YOU

 

[jewelerguy]

I think those are from a Nichols Mark 1 children's cap pistol

I stand corrected. great ID, and very interesting cap gun