The three-piece Shaler was a truly unique innovation during the War Between the States. The bullet consisted of three separate pieces (.58 caliber) which were expected to separate upon firing and strike multiple targets. The design was patented in 1862 and a number of these were used by the Army of the Potomac.

This particular specimen was excavated in Culpeper, Virginia on private property. A number of Shalers have been recovered from the Culpeper-Brandy Station area but they've been found elsewhere, too. I cannot say with 100% certainty that the middle section of the bullet was dug from the same hole as the other two. The patina of that section looks a little different and this might be a marriage.

Regardless, we DO know that all three pieces were found in Culpeper. Culpeper was one of the most heavily traveled and camped-upon parts of Virginia throughout the Civil War. It was occupied at various times by both armies. The battles of Cedar Mountain, Kelly's Ford, Brandy Station, Culpeper Court House, Rappahannock Station and Morton's Ford were all fought in Culpeper County...in addition to a number of lesser skirmishes.

All firearms sold are pre-1898 and historic collectibles. They are not meant to be fired. Jim Stanley & Associates (cwartifax.com) will not be liable for injury incurred due to any weapon or artifact purchased from this site. All artillery projectiles sold by Jim Stanley & Associates are absolutely safe and have been professionally and safely de-activated.