GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
EXTREMELY RARE CIVIL WAR 6-TUBE BLAKESLEE "QUICK LOADER" SPENCER CARTRIDGE BOX.Colonel Blakeslee's original pattern model and drawings show a six-tube cartridge carrier with a wood block, bored with longitudinal holes to hold six tin tubes. Each tube held seven Spencer cartridges, the correct number to reload the buttstock magazine. The wood block was encased in smooth black leather, with a hinged leather lid to protect the open tops of the tubes. A leather strap held the loaded box under the trooper's left arm, close to his body. Only 500 of these boxes were ordered by the U.S. government and not more than a handful are known today. The earliest of these 500 had roller buckle closures instead of finial and tabs. This is the rarest early version with roller buckle, thought possibly to be used only on last 500. The only box we have seen previously was sold in the Roy Marcot Spencer collection and is the one printed in his 1983 text Spencer Repeating Firearms. This is a very rare box in complete original condition and as noted rarely do these come to market. SIZE: PROVENANCE: David Pierce collection. CONDITION: Sound and solid retaining most of its original black finish. Patent markings are discernible on top flap "BLAKESLEE'S PATENT/U.S./CAVEAT FILED SEP. 19,64". Wood block is intact with 6 tin tubes. Implement pouch retains tab and roller buckle though tab is heavily crazed with leather backed repair. 52156-1 JS (7,000-9,000)