If it doesn't match any ammunition types, it could be a decorative finial or clasp, for lack of a better word. We found a similarly shaped artifact on a Civil War period site several years ago. We never could determine the exact use. Similar items were attached to leather bags and a strap would wrap around it to hold the bag closed. Or it could have been the tip of something...like the wooden tips of flagpoles we use now. We also had ammunition, of course, as well as lead bullets that had been altered (filed and/or cut) into what may have been gaming pieces. 

Anna Lunn 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 7, 2013, at 8:58 AM, "Branstner, Mark C" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Folks,
> 
> Please find attached a photo of an unknown lead object, found in southern Illinois.  About 3/4 inch in diameter x 7/8 inch long. Certainly looks like munitions, and may have some rifling traces around base, but seems pretty unstable in terms of overall shape:
> 
> http://s896.beta.photobucket.com/user/markbranst/library/UNKNOWN%20LEAD%20OBJECT
> 
> Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
> 
> Mark
> 
> 
> ___________________________________
> 
> 
> Mark C. Branstner, RPA
> 
> Historical Archaeologist
> 
> 
> Illinois State Archaeological Survey
> 
> Prairie Research Institute
> 
> University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
> 
> 209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571
> 
> 23 East Stadium Drive
> 
> Champaign, IL 61820
> 
> 
> Phone: 217.244.0892
> 
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> [log in to unmask]
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> 
> "Mongo only pawn in game of life."  Mongo.