Blakeslee Box Tube Question

[SGT John Chapman]

Ok,....This is my bogle,...I'm building a Blakeslee Box, to me the tubes are the hardest part to come by and I don't want to start without having them, in hand, to build it around.
So,...what is everybody using if you built your own?
By the way, my Spencer is a 56-50CF and the rim is big enough I figure to need somthing with a little larger than a 5/8" ID 12" long.


Thanks for any help given.  

[Two Flints]

SGT Chapman,

Please check these links, if you haven't already.  Suggestions are made for tube possibilities as well as the construction of a home made Blakeslee.  Old tent poles, PVC piping, copper tubing, and custom made tin tubes are mentioned as possibilities.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,32030.msg421866.html#msg421866

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,10788.0.html

There are other threads on the Blakeslee in the SORI Thread you might want to look at in addition to more photos. Make sure when you dill your tube holes you allow for wood expansion so you can still easily remove the tubes no matter what the weather conditions!  This was one of the negatives against the Blakeslee according to Civil War soldiers who had them.

Two Flints

[Old Top]

Sgt. Chapman,

I would check at the hardware store on copper or brass tubeing bring a shell caseing as see if the interior dimention fits.

Old Top

[Jack Wagon]

The outside diameter of my tin Blockade Runner tube is .725 and the inside is .690. The BR tube is 11 10/16 " long. The outside diameter of my recycled aluminum ski pole quick-loader is .755 and the inside is .660. They both work great with Starline 56-50 brass.

Looking at the two photos below, the dark colored quick loader with the top was made with an old aluminum ski pole, the silver one is made of tin and came with the Blockade Runner Blakelee's cartridge box.  




                                    (Photos posted by Two Flints)

JW

[SGT John Chapman]

Ok,....I'm going to give it a go at digging around to see what I can find,.....If I can find something pretty authentic I might start making a few of the first design boxes here and there to sell,....




The following information on the Blakeslee Quick Loader photo above has been added by Two Flints
Here is one of the rarest pieces we have - a six tube Blakeslee 'Quickloader' cartridge box in good condition. The leather is in good condition and the stitching holding it around the wood block remains strong and intact. There are no wear spots or considerable damage notes on the body of the box itself. It has the typical crazing noted on leather of this age. The outer pouch remains intact and has its flap cover, with securing strap and black japaned buckle. Below that you can see the brass ring still attached which secured the shoulder strap, the other brass loop is also present on the side of the box. On the back is the leather securing strap, also tightly secured to the box.

The wood block is in good condition and retains all six tin tubes which would house the spencer rounds. All six are in good condition and can easily be removed from the box. The lid has been detached from the box, but remains with it. The latch which secures the lid to the brass finial is still present but does have some damage noted, as can be seen in the images. On top of the lid you can see the patent stamp - "Blakeslee's Patent / U.S. / Caveat Filed Sep.18 - 64". This is a very nice piece overall and is the rarer of the Blakeslee's models you will find.

As pointed out in Marcott's book, this is the eariliest variation of this style of 6-tube box as it incorporates the buckle for securing the outer pouch as opposed to a later brass finial and the lid hinge is sewn only, not riveted and sewn as on the later model. Of the Blakeslee model, there were 500 sets sent to the government in September of 1864 for use with the Spencer and were issued to Federal Troops.

Shipping Weight: 4 lbs
Price: $9,500.00 USD   Print Item  Email to a friend 

[Two Flints]

SGT John,

Thought you might be interested in this WOODEN ammo box - scroll down for physical dimensions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-1865-Dated-Spencer-Joslyn-Carbine-Ammunition-Crate-/350483304503?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519a6ed037

Two Flints

[SGT John Chapman]

AWESOME FIND Two Flints,.....That's going into the archives for sure,......!!...

[Herbert]

If you decide to make any of the first model Bakeslee boxes put me on the list as a customer with one of your pistol boxes slid in the pouch

[SGT John Chapman]

Ok, Herbert,...If I do it, it will be this winter...but I will let you know

[Herbert]

Ok, Herbert,...If I do it, it will be this winter...but I will let you know

Thank ,I have been admiring your workon the boxes for some time

[SGT John Chapman]

Thank You Sir!!,....It's nice to know my work is appreciated,.....

[PvtGreg]

I'm in for one Sarge - you do sweet work.