This civilian .36 caliber bullet mould was a type used early in the Civil War by pro-Southern forces.
During the early part of the Civil War, many Southern forces, especially state militia units were armed with a variety of weapons, generally brought from home when men enlisted. As a result it was necessary for many individuals to carry their own bullet molds and make the bullets needed for their particular weapon.
The lead ingot is from the lead mines at Granby, Missouri; Granby was contested by both sides for the control of the lead mines located there. Confederate forces lacked access to lead for bullets and case shot and expended considerable resources in securing the mines at Granby. Lead from the mines was smelted into ingots and later melted down and molded into bullets in molds similar to those pictured.
Images Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30471, 30417, & 30675
