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HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR BLAKESLEE 10 TUBE CARTRIDGE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR BLAKESLEE 10 TUBE CARTRIDGE
BOX. This 70 rd. Blakeslee cartridge box was invented by Col. Erastus Blakeslee who commanded the 1st Connecticut Cavalry during the Civil War. His unit was armed w/ 52 cal. Spencer carbines early in 1864. Blakeslee saw a need to increase the effectiveness of the Spencer carbine by increasing its rate of fire. This box allowed the soldier to load 7 rds. from a tin tube in roughly the time it took to load 1 rd. prior to his invention. The box can be found in 6, 10 & 13 tube variations allowing the soldier 42, 70 or 91 quick loading rds. enhancing the effectiveness & rate of fire. This box represents 1 of 32,000 produced by Emerson Gaylord in 1864-1865. The box is embossed on the front "BLAKESLEE'S CARTRIDGE BOX / U.S. / PAT'D DEC. 20.1864 / E. GAYLORD / CHICOPEE / MASS.". A soldier has carved his initials, "F. W. " on & below the Gaylord mark. The box is leather covered wood w/ 10 interior tin tubes. Seams are stitched. Closing tab is stitched & riveted. Suspension strap rings are also stitched & riveted. This example also boasts its original suspension sling. CONDITION: box shows very light wear overall w/ flexing noted on the closing tab & the suspension strap. This box likely rates as one of the finer examples known. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of James B. Taylor. (02-19870/BF). $4,000-5,000.