Crate is for 12 lb spherical case shells and was used by Captain Joseph W. Martin of the 6^th New York Light Artillery.

Exterior measurements on the crate are 20.00 inches long x 13.00 inches wide x 10.50 inches tall. All boards are 1.25 inches wide. Edges have four wide dovetails while the bottom board is nailed in place. Attached to each end is a solid wood handle with two holes drilled for ropes which are now missing. Faintly stenciled in white in 0.75 inch letters in three lines is “8 ROUNDS 12 PDR / SPH. CASE. FIXED. / FOR. 12 PDR GUN.” On both sides the letter “R” in “PDR” is slightly higher than the other letters and sits atop two dots.

Lid is present but is cleanly broken in half down the center. Underside of the lid is stenciled with “CAPT. J. W. MARTIN. / 6^TH N.Y. BATT’Y / CARE D. J. YOUNG. / ORD. AGENT / HARPERS FERRY VA. / FROM / WASHINGTON / ARSENAL / JAN, 17^TH 1865.” Most of the stenciling is readable only “HARPERS FERRY” is very worn.

Exterior of the box is painted a dull dark green or OD while the interior was left with a natural wood surface. The overall condition is very good. There are the usual sins of wear from age and use but no major cracks and only a few small scattered chips. Most of the paint has worn off the bottom. Lid shoes shadows of hinges that were once attached.

Joseph W. Martin was born November 3, 1838. At age 22 he was enlisted as a Private in the 6^th New York Light Artillery on June 20, 1861 and was immediately promoted to 2^nd Sergeant. Being proficient in his duties he was promoted to 1^st Sergeant and on January 27, 1862 he was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant.

The battery saw action at Ball’s Bluff and White House on the Peninsula. In February Lieutenant Martin took command of the battery but was not promoted to Captain until May 27, 1863. Martin led his battery at Kelly’s Ford, Chancellorsville, United States Ford, Brandy Station, Bristoe Station, Brockroad, Wilderness, Aneon’s Creek, Hawes’ Shop and Cedar Creek.

Captain Martin was mustered out of the Army at Harper’s Ferry on February 15, 1865 and no doubt used this box to send home some of his things. The box was no doubt used for some time before that since he went through the trouble to attach hinges.

After the war Martin was in the tobacco business with the firm of Martin & Broadhurst and later became warden of the New Jersey Reformatory in Rahway, N.J.

Martin died on November 13, 1908 at age 70. He was described as being “quiet, modest but determined” and humble. He was buried in Hazel Wood Cemetery, Rahway New Jersey.

Some internet research and a copy of the Captain’s obituary come with the crate.  [ad]

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