Review BR Blakeslee Box

[Jack Wagon]

I decided to retire my recycled ski pole quick loaders and get a proper Blakeslee Box. I wanted a 6 tube and the Blockade Runner looked like a bargin at $99. I was pleased with the box, it was a well finished copy of a type B (Marcot's Book) 6 tube box. It had the correct sewn leather hinge and brass stud closure for the tool pouch.The tin tubes were nice and slid easly into the wood block. I had to punch some adjustment holes in the strap and bend the brass hook a bit so it would not disconnect from the brass loop. I noticed on the originals  http://www.fortdonelsonrelics.com/cgi-bin/display_item.asp?1059  the tubes stood a little more proud than on the BR version, so I glued some 1" plugs in the bottom of the block. This also made the lid fit tight so the tubes would not move around during rough handling and made them easier to withdraw. Not being one to miss an opportunity to mess around with a perfectly servicable item I also stitched the sides to the bottom and a  line on the lid as per the original. The original type B 6 tubes were marked on the lid Blakeslee's Patent U.S. December 20, 1864. I tried to approximate this with the stamps I had on hand to at least capture the look. I've used the box a couple of times now and am very happy with it.  JW