Blakeslee Cartridge Box / SOLD

Blakeslee Cartridge Box - Inventory Number:  LEA 395 / SOLD

The Blakeslee cartridge box was designed to hold ten metal tubes each carrying seven Spencer cartridges. The tubes could be used to rapidly reload the seven-round Spencer carbine magazine. The face of the cartridge box is stamped: "BLAKESLEE'S CARTRIDGE BOX" in an arch over "U.S./PAT'D DEC 20 1864/E. GAYLORD/CHICOPEE/MASS." Although the Blakeslee cartridge boxes had the potential to provide a sustained high rate of fire for troopers armed with the Spencer carbine, the cartridge boxes were heavy and cumbersome, and the Civil War ended before significant numbers of Blakeslee cartridge boxes were delivered. After the war, they saw little use and many were discarded. 8 cartridge tubes remain.

The condition is good with some shrinkage to leather on lid.  The strap is a period used replacement from the issued one. This is a very reasonably priced example of a much sought after accessory for a Civil War collector!

Inventory Number:  LEA 395 / SOLD