This is a classic Confederate cap box constructed with a two-piece rectangular flap, single wide belt loop, and lead/pewter finial. The box was obtained in a 1974 direct purchase from the Shields Museum of one display case of relics picked up on the first day’s field at Gettysburg and has never been offered for sale since.

The box obviously was exposed for a time outside, in addition to whatever rigors it suffered on campaign, but is in good condition nevertheless. The flap is the early style, long and squared, with a separately sewn latch tab. The belt loop is a single wide strap sewn at top and along the bottom reverse edge. Some lighter colored thread on the back could be a field repair or, perhaps more likely, some stitches added to replace missing threads when it was placed on display in the museum. The inner flap with side ears is in place. The interior even shows the base of the original strip of sheepskin fleece that served to keep percussion caps from bouncing out of the pouch. Even more unusual, the small vent pick is still in place as well. The third classically CS element, the lead/pewter finial is still securely in place on the bottom of the pouch. The exterior surface shows crazing and some rubs from wear, but the box is very solid.

This comes from the collection of Tom Bohon, one of our earliest and most regular customers, who also used to regularly visit the old Shields Museum in town. In 1974 the museum wanted some extra space and Ellen Shields, running it for the family, offered Tom the opportunity to purchase one display case of relics in an all-or-nothing purchase. Tom took the deal and kept them ever since. The entire case was devoted to pick-ups from the first day’s fighting in the fields west of town and we are proud to offer these pieces, which have a great provenance to Gettysburg and have not been on the market before, aside from that brief moment in 1974.

This would make a great addition to a collection of Confederate accouterments or to a display of Gettysburg relics. Please check out our other offerings from this collection as well. As Tom realized, this is an opportunity not often presented.  [sr]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!