October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
The very distinct Morse carbine cartridge boxes consists of two tarred leather boxes, about 11" x 4", each holding 12 tin tubes. Each tube would have held a Morse cartridge. The 2 boxes are suspended on a canvas belt which has an iron roller buckle, by pairs of brass belt loops. There is a "16" stamped into the interior flap of one of the boxes. There is also some old writing on the inside flap of the other box, however it is no longer legible. An interesting note by the consignor which in part reads "Found in old Morse Packing Box by W.A. Floyd at Pendleton, South Carolina/ Tubes still have paper and Raw Cotton inside" as well as "This set of Morse Box's & Belt are Pictured on page 146 and 147. In The Book Confederate Longarms and Pistols by Hill & Anthony" is included with this set. A careful examination of the pictures in the book and this item reveal that this is indeed the actual set of cartridge boxes photographed on pages 146 & 147. PROVENANCE: Dr. John Murphy, Confederate Longarms And Pistols by Richard Hill & William Anthony 1978. CONDITION: Both boxes are dirty. Leather is dry and stiff, although flaps can be opened without fear of damage, provided one is careful. Some flaking. Each box is missing one of the closure straps. The strap on one of the boxes is torn. The leather parts of the belt are dry with some tearing and flaking, but complete. The belt is dirty with some slight fraying on a top edge but otherwise fine. All 24 tin cartridge tubes are present. Some slight loss to leather at bottom of tube pockets on one box. This is an extremely difficult accessory to find, especially complete, which has also been published and is in presentable condition. GR
Paperwork
Consignor Note, Photocopy of book pages.