Henry Civil War Cartridge box

[Dusty Morningwood]

Would also like to see some of our resident metalsmiths take a crack at the brass one.  I think we Henry shooters are a great untapped market for throwing our money at anything pretty. 

[Major 2]

Injun Ryder

That was very interesting thanks for the link I have saved it..
It has given me some ideas 
I wonder if the cartridges were just loose in that container ?

[Tuolumne Lawman]

I picked up a used 1861 Springfield with bayonet, and it had a standard cartridge box with it.  I am cogitating converting it to a Henry box.  Loose it would hold probably over 100 44-40s.

[Injun Ryder]

I came across another link to the Kittredge cartridge box today. It shows a different view. I have been unable to find anything out about the interior though.

http://www.prices4antiques.com/itemsummary/151199.htm

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Does anyone have a photo or drawing...or is a good enough artist that he could theorize and put on paper how the wood blocks were installed in the large leather box (ie; were they stacked or laid sideways), and how the springs were installed into the interior of the box??

Bill

[Major 2]

Bill

I'm trying to draw the blocks based on memory, I'll send it on later.
I saw one of these 20 years ago at a collectors home.
Mr. Dent show me his box complete with all blocks (4) and still had some 44 Henry Rimfire in it.

They stacked one on top of the other , there was notch on both ends about 1/3 up from the bottom that snapped over the brass springs.
The springs were flat brass plate riveted to the end flap ( you'll see the 6 rivets the held it ) this kept the box shaped.
Cut/pierced and bent out from the plate ,were 2 (one each end ) curved finger springs (rounded over at top) about a 3/4" long these were sprung closed as the block was inserted from the bottom.
They then snapped out into the notch ( which was rounded at the top) once clicked in the block would not come back out , only by pushing the empty block in the fit was snug.
I don't know the dimensions but I have the inside box measurements and we know the Rounds size . I do know the the blocks were not bored through , but had a 1/8 or so weep hole . So the blocks were slightly longer than the 44 Henry Flat .
I believe we can extrapolate the 4 blocks sizes as they were identical.  Inside dimensions 6.5 x1.6 x 5 " from Todd's

With the photo I sent I hope this helps  Oh! and the blocks were Hardwood ... Hickory I think ,  maybe Oak 

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Major,
When one block was empty, how was it inserted back into the box.......

Bill

[Major 2]

There was no leather bottom to the the box the empty lifted out and was reinstalled from the bottom raising the next full block.
The two spring held the bottom block in
Clever.. eh !

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I would also assume that the block at the top of the stack would either stick up some to allow one to grip it at each end with one hand or the leather ends of the box have a rounded notch cut out at the top so a finger could grip the block to pull it up. Probably the first option is more likely.

[Major 2]

the ends were higher than the face ...  like Triggersmith's example ... the face was lower.
I think the ends were clip cornered   

[Frenchie]

Period Leather has the four-block Henry Repeating Rifle Box at the bottom of this page: http://www.periodleather.com/products.cfm?CatID=2

I want it and the Navy box just above it.

[Dusty Morningwood]

Period Leather has the four-block Henry Repeating Rifle Box at the bottom of this page: http://www.periodleather.com/products.cfm?CatID=2

I want it and the Navy box just above it.

Considering how much weeping, pulling hair and gnashing of teeth it would take for me to make one, it is a bargain!

[Major 2]

Dang it all ! now I'm want'n' one ....

[Marshal Will Wingam]

the ends were higher than the face ...  like Triggersmith's example ... the face was lower.
I think the ends were clip cornered

This would make it so the block is grasped front and rear. Thanks, Maj. If I make one, it will be for my pistol/rifle calibers. One row for rifle cal & one row each for two pistol cals. Each block would be good at the loading and unloading tables; load from the block and put empties in it after the stage then insert it in the bottom. This would mean 4 stages completely taken care of before the match. One could even have a couple extra blocks in your cart ready to go for more stages.

Considering how much weeping, pulling hair and gnashing of teeth it would take for me to make one, it is a bargain!

This is certainly true. It makes it much more accessible to many. Thanks for the link, Frenchie.

[Ottawa Creek Bill]

I wonder if it comes with the blank (undrilled) wood blocks??l

Bill

[Frenchie]

Bill, give them a call and ask. No holes would save them some work.

[Triggersmith]

that's worth every penny he's asking for that box.  There is a lot of work goes into it.  If the box is as good as the photo he has a winner. I know how hard it was to build the patterns and make the one I did that only had cartridge slides.  Imagine building the blocks and spring mechanism.  My hat's off to who ever or whom ever made it.
Triggersmith

[Dusty Ed]

Howdy Pards
I could be wrong on this , I thought I read some where that they had a Blakslee box for the Henry just like the Spencer.
I made one of my own design it is round and holds 8 - 10 shot tubes.
Dusty Ed

[Triggersmith]

I have the original drawings of the Henry cartridge box. It shows the blocks and all. It is a bugger to build but once you do you will see how you could have done it easier. If you like I can send you a copy of the drawings.  Email me at:
rlhanchett@gmail.com
Triggersmith