US 38 colt military cartridge box

[Deadeye Don]

Shouldnt these be marked with an inspectors mark if truely sold to the military?  I am also assuming that this would be a post 1902 box since it is brown in color.

http://www.antiquegunlist.com/detail.php?siteid=2681

[St. George]

The 1896 Pattern Cartridge Box was dyed Black until 1902, when Russet was prescribed for all leather.

They were never sold to the military - the military made them...

They were made by Rock Island Arsenal, and are so marked on the back, along with the Inspector's mark.

In 1903, the date of manufacture was also added.

The top of the flap often has unit identification markings in varying heights/styles of stamping.

Incidentally - the poplar wood blocks are un-dated through 1902 - and from 1903 are dated thereafter.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

So if the one mentioned in my thread doesnt have the Rock Island markings on it somewhere it is likely a reproduction somewhere along the line??

[St. George]

I know that pacific Canvas and leather, and International Military Antiques have supplied replicas for some time.

Doesn't take all that much to 'age' leather, and a lot of the original Russet boxes were in new condition when they were hitting the surplus market, so aging a replica to that standard wouldn't be difficult at all - just adding water and dirt and letting them dry a bit 'hard' would do a credible job.

I've owned a few dozen originals over the years - each and every one of them were marked.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

Thanks St. George.  I thought it was a bit unusual for the same person to be offering 2 boxes without markings on the same website.

[St. George]

De nada...

In their defense - some dealers honestly don't know their field.

They come across a large collection and decide that they're in business for the next few gun shows - and over time, things come their way.

On the other hand - there are still those who know precisely what they're offering and who their intended target is -  the enthusiastic uninformed.

It's best to do your research and ask questions of more established collector/historians before you unlimber your wallet.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

We are darn lucky to have St. George here to help answer questions.  I am learning more each day both from reading and here.

[St. George]

Thank you for those kind words - I like to help where I can...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

I have found this book to be very helpful in my research in addition to asking questions here.

Arming & Equipping the United States Cavalry,
1865 - 1902,
by Dusan P. Farrington