This is an original Federal paper .54 calber cartridge used in military, percussion, single-shot pistols of the mid-nineteenth century such as the A.H Waters pistol, H. Aston pistol and I. N. Johnson pistol.
This cartridge specimen is torn right below the section where the round .54 caliber lead ball is tied off with the original string.  The powder has been removed, and a wooden dowel has been inserted to allow the cartridge paper to keep its shape.
There has been some loss of paper, but most of the cartridge is intact.
Comes in a small display box as shown.
The single-shot U.S. model 1842 military pistol was the main handgun for the Mexican War and was widely used into the Civil War.
A very nice display cartridge.