This is a FINE condition example of the bullet mold for the Burnside Carbine. Single cavity mold casts a two-ring hollow base conical bullet. The mold cavity is nominally .55” in diameter at the widest point and is nominally .81” long. The exterior diameter of the mold block is .88” and the overall height of the block is 1.05”, not including the sprue cutter that also includes the base plug for the mold. The mold is about 6.5” in overall length with a pair of 4.5” handles. The sprue cutter is inspected with the block initials E.M.D, the mark of Springfield Armory civilian sub-inspector Elias M. Dustin (some older references list Dustin inaccurately as “Edward”). Dustin performed inspection duties at Colt, Windsor Locks and the Burnside Rifle Company circa 1862-1864, but only Burnside carbines are known to have received his script EMDcartouche. Some 53,000 Burnside Carbines of all models (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Model) were delivered to the US Government during the American Civil War, making it one of the most used carbines of the conflict. In fact, only the Spencer and Sharps carbines were acquired in larger numbers, making the Burnside the 3^rd most used carbine of the war. As molds were typically delivered with carbines at the rate of about one mold per twenty guns, the government likely procured somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,650 molds.

The mold remains in FINE condition and is quite crisp with sharp edges and a fine, crisp and bright mold cavity. The metal shows some scattered light surface oxidation which has caused some discoloration to the bright metal, as well as some scattered areas of old, dried oil or grease which has also darkened and discolored. The mold is amazingly free of the numerous impact marks that often mar the condition of military molds and only shows a few minor marks. However, one mold arm is slightly bent, suggesting the mold actually spent some time in the field. The mold operates smoothly, and the sprue cutter and arms of the mold move as they should with no looseness or play and the mold closes tightly for casting.

This would be a great addition to a collection of Civil War era bullet molds or as an accessory to display with your Burnside Carbine, particularly if it is one with an EMD cartouche. The mold is very crisp and well-marked with a relatively scarce inspection mark. This is a fine mold that would cast great Burnside bullets today, if the condition of the cavities is any indicator.

SOLD