Civil War Artillery Friction Primer Tin Box

Description

Civil War Artillery Friction Primer Tin Box

A scarce and desirable ordnance storage container intended to hold 100 friction primers for field artillery service. This example originates from an old collection assembled during the 1950s–1960s by a collector who reportedly acquired the piece directly from the legendary Bannerman’s surplus store at 500 South Broadway in New York City.

The sheet iron body retains a pleasing untouched surface with strong traces of the original tin finish remaining throughout the interior. The lid still displays its light but clearly discernible embossed markings reading “FRICTION PRIMERS,” accompanied by an attractive embossed ordnance motif of crossed cannons surmounted by an ordnance shell. Hinges and closure remain intact and functional, preserving the box’s excellent display and collectible character.

Friction primer containers are among the more visually distinctive pieces of Civil War artillery equipment, directly associated with the firing process of cannon in the field. Surviving examples with legible embossing, strong tinning, and documented early collector provenance have become increasingly difficult to obtain. Measures approximately 4 inches wide by 2.5 inches deep.

Inventory Number: ART 489