Hold a bit of our nation’s history with this Civil War tribute ballpoint pen. Faithful detailing went into the design of the 58 caliber Minie’ Ball replica cap (actual size - used on pen cap). This was the most widely used bullet in the Civil War. Originally a French army bullet, it was officially adopted by the Americans in 1855. Rings were added to the original design to hold grease to help ease the bullet down the barrel as well as to collect powder residue when fired. Used in the Model 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket.
The pen clip is a replica of a model 1861 Springfield Rifle Musket. The Model 1861, commonly referred to as the “Springfield”, was a single-shot, muzzle-loading gun favored for its range, accuracy and reliability. It fired the 58-caliber Minie’ Ball and had a maximum effective range of 500 yards. It was the most common firearm in use by both Union and Confederate forces.
The pen tip, or nib, is an actual size 44 caliber 1860 Colt Army Revolver Bullet replica. The 1860 Colt Army Revolver was the favorite side arm for cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops and was the most widely used handgun of the Civil War. This revolver was a six shot model allowing the user to fire six times before needing to stop and reload the weapon. The bullets were designed for the round rifle barrel, and the cartridge was paper and glued to the ball.
The hand-turned wood barrel is made from Chittum burl. The blockade of Northern materials like dyes and cloth forced the families of Confererate Soldiers to learn to make “home spun” cloth and concoct dye recipes from native plants, berries and woods to color uniforms for the various branches of the military. Chittum, a native tree in the South was all but extinct by the end of the war, having been cut down and boiled for the unique yellow pigment in the wood needed for Cavalry uniforms. This tree is once again prospering, but burls are extremely rare. This ballpoint twist pen uses Parker style refills.