Unopened Civil War Cartridge Pack for Colt’s Navy Pistol – D.C. Sage & Co. 

Description

Unopened Civil War Cartridge Pack for Colt’s Navy Pistol – D.C. Sage & Co. 

Scarce unopened pack of Civil War-era combustible cartridges for the Colt Navy revolver, retaining its original paper wrapper with strong, legible printing. The label reads in part “Six Seamless Skin Cartridges… Impervious to Dampness… Made with Hazard’s Powder for Colt’s Navy Pistol”, further noting Hotchkiss’ Patent, Feb. 11th, 1862, and manufacture by D.C. Sage & Co., Middletown, Conn., with W.J. Syms & Bro. listed as New York agents. 

These .36 caliber cartridges were produced for use in the Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver, one of the most widely carried sidearms of the Civil War, particularly among cavalry and officers. The “seamless skin” and “impervious to dampness” claims reflect wartime innovations aimed at improving reliability in the field, especially under adverse weather conditions. 

D.C. Sage & Co. was among the lesser-seen contractors supplying revolver ammunition, making their clearly marked products far less common than those of larger firms. The inclusion of the Hotchkiss patent reference ties this pack to an important development in combustible cartridge design during the war. 

The pack remains sealed and unopened, a significant point of rarity as most were issued and expended. The wrapper shows expected age toning and minor wear but remains complete and highly displayable. 

An exceptional and scarce Civil War revolver cartridge pack, combining strong maker identification, innovative cartridge design, and outstanding state of preservation. 

Inventory Number: BUL 539