Remembering the Civil War Through Bullet Collecting

During the Civil War, approximately a thousand different bullets were used. The interest in these different types of bullets increased through the years. Within a quick span of time, it became a popular hobby. There was a great interest in the changes taking place in the development of firearms and ammunition during the Civil War. For instance, the bullets in the shape that we all are familiar with replaced the musketballs of the Revolution. These musketballs were common in the Civil War, but the most common type of bullet used was known as the .58-caliber bullet, with three rings at the base. There are also bullets that were found to be splattered out of its original shape. The fascination for firearms and the Civil War contributed to what is now known as Civil War bullet collections.

The collectibles have become more collectible as the Internet continuously provides a market place for buying and selling these items. The prices are expectedly high, and sometimes sellers are not informed and they usually ask more than the bullet's worth. A good price guide is very useful for beginners in Civil War collecting. There are plenty of these sold online to help you get started.

Bullet molds and relics are also included in the collections of Civil War collectors. There are even real enthusiasts who like to investigate the possibility of becoming a re-enactor of a Civil War. They try to act out battles in towns across the Southeast of the country.

You can start your collection by buying from your fellow collectors, or you can try to go to battlefields to dig and search. You may want to purchase a metal detector if you wish to find them on your own. When using this device, keep in mind that most bullets are buried deep in the ground, so you will have to listen and pay attention to the changes in the tone of the metal detector. Buttons from uniforms, bullet molds, metal items and belt buckles may also be included in your collection. You can go to old home sites were battles where once fought, since hunting Civil War relics is strictly prohibited on protected battlefields. You may want to get permission from the owner first.

There are people who believe that hunting bullets with metal detectors suggests a lack of respect for the buried soldiers. This idea came from the fact that sometimes, hunters find bones with the bullets. But what these people do not know is that these bullet hunters have mapped out their finds.

The Civil War has gained the interest of many Americans because of what it stands for. Until now, there are still people who discuss the issue of states' right versus a central government, and there are those who believe strongly in the fact that slavery is a terrible part of the US history. Civil War collecting is an interesting and at the same time sobering hobby, especially when you remember the soldiers who have given up their lives for the country. It is one way for us to commemorate this very important historical event.