Musket ball that killed Sir Thomas Picton, 1815 (c)

This ball killed General Sir Thomas Picton at the Battle of Waterloo (1815). It is dented where it hit Picton's skull. A typical French lead musket ball, it was probably fired from a 1777 Charleville-type smooth bore musket, of which there were many varieties.

It was most likely fired from fairly close range during a strong French infantry assault on the Duke of Wellington's line around 13.30 on 18 June. It entered Picton's right temple, killing him instantly.