This is an excellent example of a dug, elongated flat nose .50 caliber Maynard carbine cartridge. The Maynard carbine was designed by Dr. Edward Maynard, who held patent #22,565 dated January 11, 1859.  With this patent, cartridge cases for the Maynard carbine were made of drawn brass to form a tube with a closed end.  A brass disk was soldered to the base of the tube.  The large diameter of the base disk was to aid in extracting the case after firing. The cartridge has a small hole in the base that allowed the flame from a percussion cap, to pass through to ignite the powder charge. This cartridge is in excellent shape for being excavated as most of these pattern cartridges  typically sustain damage over the years. This example is complete, with no cracks, holes or damage. The bullet is still firmly stead in the brass carriage.