Zewlander

That's true, but it was in level ground. Whenever I shoot at something, it's elevated w/a dirt hillside behind it. Conceivable someone could have fired it into the ground, but then where's the lead? It does look mangled and not symmetrical. BTW right at around 5mm. Thanks for all the input, it's really of no monetary interest only historical. Brian

I'm not going to try to 2nd guess anyone's theory at this point, especially after I completely missed the whole jacket thing to begin with and I have guns also, incl an SKS. However, when it comes to finding things w/a metal detector: I found this at 3"-4" down and in solid ground, this dirt had not been disturbed in a very long time. The ground is/was dry so that oxidation would have taken a while to materialize. This site/area has absolutely no traffic, as it is in a very remote location in the Sierras. But as I said, I'm not going to try to 2nd guess anyone else's theory. Thanks, Brian BTW I haven't measured it yet, but this would be one of the smallest diameter rounds, next to a 22 I've ever seen.

Ok, got it. Going to measure the diam of that casing, may get me close to a date. Thanks

Ok, I seriously stand committed (corrected) now....also, sorry Joe. Thanks, Shtoink (won't even try to guess what that's an acronym for). Looking at the images in that link, that looks exactly like what it is. 1st glance I thought those images were pretty metal flower art...hah hah. Almost a testament to how rough it was back in those days, this was found right where I know they had their main operations at. Thanks, all Happy Leathering

Thanks Joe, But this is copper, I should have put it in the OP. Thanks, Brian

Hello Forum, I found this while metal detecting an old gold mining area. Was 3" down and on the side of a road, I know was continuously used by horses and stagecoaches. I think it's a saddle stud, maybe a gun belt, regular belt, etc? Thanks Brian