3214 HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR BLAKESLEE 10 TUBE CARTRIDGE

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This item SOLD at 2023 Nov 05 @ 14:19UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,000.00 USD
Estimated at 4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
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.