Dovetailed wooden crate that meas. approx. 11.00 inches long x 8.25 inches wide x 6.25 inches high. The wood has much of the original dark finish but is worn on the edges and lid. There are also numerous minor scratches dings and dents as to be expected on a wooden box this old.

The back panel of the box below the hinges has suffered the most. It appears to have gotten wet and the wood warped has resulted in long strips of wood loss. One strip runs approx. 8.00 inches long x 0.08 of an inch wide. The second area runs approx. 6.00 inches long x 0.8 of an inch wide. These two areas are approx. 0.25 of an inch apart and actually touch in one small area. Despite these blemishes the box is sound and in no danger of further wood loss.

The lid has two brass hinges at the back that are in very good condition. The top front edge of the lid has two mortises that hold heavy brass escutcheons that take a spanner screw that holds the lid closed. Both of the escutcheons and screws are present as is the wrench for tightening and loosening the screws.

The front of the box is stenciled with “NAVAL LABORATORY WASHINGTON” in a based arc. All lettering is white and though worn here and there is very readable. The lid also shows wear but clearly reads “PERCUSSION CAPS / 6300. / NOT TO BE PUT IN THE / MAGAZINE.”

Upon lifting the lid there is a faint but readable stencil on the underside that reads “ORDNANCE LABORATORY / U. S. N. YARD / WASHINGTON.”

Each side panel has an “O” ring handle held by a large iron staple. These appear to be original to the box as the wood has been mortised to accept the ring body and a finished finger well is also cut into the wood just below the rings.

The interior of the box is lined with plain tin. The top of the front edge of the crate has two brass escutcheons with screw holes to receive the spanner screws in the lid.

The very bottom of the box is unpainted.

This crate has a wonderful untouched look and is a wonderful addition to any Civil War Navy collection.

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