Colt combustible cartridges... were they used outside of the Army?

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Two questions for you Colt revolver experts...

As I understand it, combustible paper cartridges for Colt cap-n-ball revolvers were used alot during the civil war by officers who had sidearms. But, I see very little (i.e. none) references to them having been available to the general public.

Also, there were leather cartridge pouches for a 6rd box of paper cartidges to reside in.
(Kind of like how there were cartridge boxes for holding 7rd paper/cardboard boxes of Spencer bullets)

Does anyone have a reference photo or know more about either of these?

thanks in advance!!!

[St. George]

As soon as the combustible cartridges came out - they became wildly popular and were standard issue to 'all' Federal forces armed with revolvers - and not just Officers - who were required to furnish their own.

The inside of those pouches was lined with lambskin to help protect them in their fragile containers - and it must've done a helluva job, given a Cavalryman's life.

Any Civil War reference photo featurng Cavalry will show that pouch in use and replicas are made by a number of modern manufacturers - just look at what they call a 'Cap Pouch'.

The cartridges 'were' commercially available - though little reference exists, due in large part to the associated record-keeping of the equipping of troops and prosecution of the War took precedence over accounting for civilian sales.

After the Civil War - they continued manufacture - but were rapidly supersceded by the advent of the metallic cartridge and thus tapered off quickly as the self-contained rounds gained popularity.

I think that Barnes' 'Cartridges of the World' addresses some of this insofar ad 'dates' might be concerned.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[River City John]

Dakota,
search vintage ammunition and related paraphanalia dealers, they often show examples of consumable cartridges and related packaging along with tidbits of information.

www.antiqueguns.com
www.rsdmilitaria.com
www.19thcenturyweapons.com
www.auctionarms.com


I'm posting these from memory. I am sure they may be inaccurate.

RCJ

p.s. There is one vintage ammunition link that I lost in a 'puter meltdown and have not rediscovered.

[Delmonico]

I one time had a box of Genuine Colt 36 caliber for 51 and 61 Navy in my hands, I am 99% sure it was 5 cartridges and 7 percusion caps.  The tarrif was far more than I could afford fpr such a thing.

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Del,

This picture [baby int the wash basin] and the one in your nightshirt are the best ones!!!   Betcha didn't know that I was am art critic!   Hope you ferget this comment by the time that I eat yur food again!