US Cartridge Box Plate - Contractor Marked "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN"
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Item: US Cartridge Box Plate - Contractor Marked "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN"
Use: Cartridge box plates were displayed on the outer flap of the soldier's cartridge box. Not only ornamental but more practically used as a weight to keep the cartridge box flap closed to prevent cartridge loss. See the additional images in this listing for an image showing its use.
Construction: Stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and iron wire attachment loops.
Condition: Very good, excavated, loops missing. Its brass front, with the raised large thick letters "US", has a smooth surface and a very pleasing even dark taupe patina. The rim is complete with two very small breaks situated to the right of the upper serif of the "S". The rear has a near complete complement of solder with light pebbling and flaking. A partial contractor's mark of "W. H. SMITH BROOKLYN" visible. The plate has no repairs.
Recovered: Quantico, VA area.
Approximate size: 56 x 87 mm.
Reference: Similar examples are found in the following Civil War reference books:
- "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874", by Sydney C. Kerksis on page 520.
- "Gettysburg Battlefield Relics & Souvenirs" by Mike O'Donnell on page 14.
See above pages in the additional images.
Comments: This Smith marked cartridge box plate was acquired directly from the Virginia digger. Included in the additional images is an image of the digger (on left), with his hunting buddies and their detectors dating to the 1970-80s. Also included is an image showing its use. The plate will be an excellent addition to any Civil War maker marked plate, accoutrement plate, or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC8421
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