(CIVIL WAR.) Gardiner, Samuel, Junior. Contract for the sale of rights to Gardiner's exploding bullet. 4 manuscript pages, 12 1/2 x 7 3/4 inches, joined on top edge. Document Signed by Gardiner and Robert J. Hubbard, with the body of the document in Hubbard's hand, and with later notarization and Patent Office docketing on final page; folds, embossed patent seal, only minimal wear. [New York], 19 November 1861
Samuel Gardiner, Jr. (1816-1880) was a Manhattan inventor who designed an exploding bullet in the early months of the Civil War. Each bullet had a small fuse that detonated the bullet 400 yards after leaving the rifle barrel, causing grievous injuries to the enemy. In this agreement, he sells a one-eighth share of his rights to Robert J. Hubbard for $500. The bullet had not yet been patented and Gardiner had no immediate prospects for a government contract. Gardiner secured his patent and received a trial order for 110,000 bullets in November 1862, some of which were used at Gettysburg and possibly other battles. They proved unpopular with the Union troops, as they presented the danger of exploding while still in the ammunition pouch, and would also occasionally explode prematurely in a hot rifle barrel. Hubbard's purchase agreement was notarized on 23 March 1863, and recorded in the United States Patent Office on 11 May 1863, suggesting that he did not secure his rights until they showed some prospect of value.
