American Civil War era "Gardner" bullet, used in muzzle-loaded rifles. "Gardner" bullets are a unique variety of Minié ball that were used exclusively by the Confederate states in the American Civil War and manufactured almost exclusively in Richmond, Virginia; these bullets are made of lead, have a conical shape, and a hollow base, as is the standard for Minié balls, but there are two wide, deep grooves surrounding the base rather than the thin tri-groove pattern found on most other bullets at the time. This style of bullet experienced widespread use exclusively during the American Civil War. There is a white patina (lead carbonate) visible on much of the bullet's surface, this can be caused by long-term exposure to carbon dioxide and is a common sign of age in lead objects.