Blakeslee quick loader

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Here is a link to a mid-war 56-56 Spencer label/

http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/7475/spencerlabel.html

[Steel-eye Steve]

Hi All -
From what I remember from Marcot's book, the 6-tube variety was only manufactured in a very small quantity - maybe 2000.  Virtually all of these were issued, and apparently all saw heavy service.  Who got them?  I don't remember.  I think some of the infantry companies that received the re-issued rifles just prior to the 1864 overland campaign did.  Probably some of the Cav. regiments did.  I'm not sure Blakeslee's unit ever did!! The six-tube is nice, as it has a tool box, and holds exactly 1 42-rnd box of Spencer Ammo. The 10-tube boxes apparently were never, or rarely issued. 

Wilson requested them and I seem to remember Joe Bilby's latest book has some documentation in that regard. Im attaching some documentation on Wilson's request.

Hello,

Just adding this: 

Two Flints

[bluesuit01]

I received my box from Blockade Runner a couple of weeks ago. Without claiming to be an expert on leather or cartridge boxes, I found it to be very well made. I have a .45 Schofield, and use .44-40 brass as blanks. Obviously, this brass fit into and poured out of the tubes with no problems. I used it on the field at Richmond, KY this past weekend. Before buying the box, I carried my rounds in water pipe tubes in a haversack. The box was far more convenient and lighter. I recover my brass from the chamber as I shoot. It was a simple matter to drop the expended round into an empty tube after each shot. The only problem I had was when kneeling or in a position where tension came off of the shoulder strap, the hook on the strap would come loose. This was no real problem as the box is attached to the belt. I fixed this when I got home by attaching a sword belt snap hook instead of the open hook.

[Two Flints]

Bluesuit,

Any chance for some photos of your Blakeslee?  Can you describe the wooden box in some detail, the inner tubes, etc. fit and finish.

Appreciate the extras on the description, if you have the time.

Two Flints

[bluesuit01]

Pics are on the way. The wooden box is a one-piece block drilled all the way through. It is not finished at all, just plain wood. I forgot to mention one modification I made in my last post. I pulled the block out and added a block about a half inch thick in the bottom of the case. This makes the block and the tubes stick up a little higher. The top of the case doesn't close down tight on the tubes otherwise. I found that a round could actually slip out of a tube when it was turned up, which will happen when taking the sword belt on and off. Now there isn't room for that to happen.  The tubes are tin and seem sturdy enough for the task. They fit snuggly, but not tight at all. They can be easily drawn and returned. Anybody has any questions about the case, I'll be glad to answer.

Top of Blakeslee



Front of Blakeslee



Back of Blakeslee



Blakeslee Sling



Blakeslee and Sword Belt



Blakeslee Tool Pouch

[Snapshot]

Exelent pictures, ya-all might wonder what happened to my Balckeslee project?
I started the project, got all the parts. Had to wait long time for the tubing materiell.
Got the tubing materiell just before I left for my Army-duty-tour to the Balkans.
Working as a Liasion officer down here will probably set me back a year or so on the Blackeslee project. The job is really interesting, and the pay is not bad either. I am going for a short leave in a few weeks, thought about looking up the Palmetto factory in Italy? That is where the replica Spencers are made!

Best Regards
Snapshot,  Balkans

[Major 2]

Snapshot.. that sounds like a nice tour.... The Palmetto factory will show you the Colt Revolving Rifle they make.

But if you wish to see the Spencers , you'll need to go see the
Armi Sport craftsmen at Chiappa's Italian production facilities.

Armi Sport
di Chiappa Silvia e C snc
Via Milano 2
Azzanno Mellia

Armi Sport
Via Fornaci 66,
Brescia ,Italy

for tours try info@armisport.com