Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2504:
Description
This Civil War-era Union Army percussion cap pouch is a definitive piece of federal field gear, essential for carrying the copper primers used with muzzle-loading rifled muskets. The leather lid features a prominent, embossed “US” stamp within a horizontal oval, and a high-contrast inspection reveals a circular mark identifying it as having been approved by Ordnance Department sub-inspector R. White. While the name “R. White” appears in a circular format on the outer flap, historical records identify him as a prolific Government Sub-Inspector whose mark is frequently found on high-quality leather accouterments produced by major Newark and New York contractors such as S.H. Young & Co. or Baker & McKenney. Designed with a dual-flap system to protect the volatile caps from moisture, this specimen lacks the original internal sheepskin wool lining. The leather exhibits heavy “alligatoring,” surface crazing, and significant finish loss consistent with 160 years of age, particularly on the closure tab which shows deep cracking. A notable historical field repair is present on the reverse, where one of the original vertical belt loops has been replaced with a non-matching leather strap, while the brass closure finial and primary structural stitching remain intact. H 4″, W 3.75″, D 1.5″. Please see photos.
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