December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
The only example of a British light dragoon cartridge box of the regulation pattern, used from c. 1756 to 1802, currently known. It is constructed with a substantial flap and back panel of buff leather. A long strip of black, tanned calfskin or thin cowhide is sewn to the latter by a series of spaced, vertical lines of stitching, forming 12 raised loops, which house 2 5/8 inch-long by 3/4-inch diameter, cartridge tubes of tinned sheet iron. A small pouch of thin, "flesh-out" leather with a thong ties, is sewn over the four central tubes to contain spare flints. There are two loops of buff leather on the back of the box, the tops sewn to the rear of the front flap and with slits near the bottom, to which they are secured to brass studs of 1/2 inch diameter, forming belt loops to attach the box to waistbelt. The box is approximately 10 1/4 by 3 3/4 inches as viewed from its front. The flap was "blackballed" at some time during its period of use, whether during British or possible American service, one can only wonder. CONDITION: Very good overall, some of the half-circles of grain leather sewn to the bottom of the loops to contain the tubes missing or separating; the tin tubes with moderate oxidation; some period staining and surface wear to the exterior of the buff leather, as commensurate with use.