Civil War Primer Display   

Description

Civil War Primer Display   

An excellent display grouping of components associated with the Maynard tape primer system used on the U.S. Model 1855 rifle-musket and related arms. Invented by Dr. Edward Maynard, the system employed a continuous roll of percussion priming tape, much like a child’s cap roll, which automatically advanced a fresh primer over the cone each time the hammer was cocked.  

Included are two original rolls of Maynard primer tape: one remaining tightly wrapped and retaining its original sealed configuration, and a second example partially unrolled to illustrate the distinctive accordion-like construction of the primer strip. Accompanying the rolls are two percussion caps, representing the practical wartime alternative adopted by many soldiers when the tape primer mechanism proved unreliable in field conditions. Exposure to moisture, dirt, and hard service often rendered the tape system ineffective, leading troops to revert to conventional percussion caps despite the innovative nature of the Maynard design.  

Inventory Number: FIR 230