The Tale of the Musket Ball: Advances in Lead Bullet Analysis Using Live-Fire Validation Studies

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)", at the 2025 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

The spherical lead ball is one of the most ubiquitous finds on conflict and hunting sites from the introduction of firearms until the mid-nineteenth century. Recent advances in the analysis of lead balls using new forensic investigation methods adapted to archaeological material culture and employing live-fire research offers new opportunities to understand the cultural variability of spherical lead bullets. Coupled with the analytical methods is a reevaluation of documentary data on cultural ideals of what was a desired standard for casting balls. The results of documentary analysis, application of advances in material culture studies, and live-fire research provides vital information for new perspectives on interpreting tactical engagements on both small and large landscapes to more accurately interpret lead ball uses from archaeological contexts.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2025

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow