Three distinct patterns of Frazier boxes are available to the collector: this belt loop pattern, a version with a shoulder sling, and a later version with a sliding cover. Patents for the first two were taken out by Joseph Frazier in 1872 and extended in 1878 (patent info stamped inside). Although his boxes often turn up with wood blocks bored to take twenty .50-70 government rifle cartridges, his patent drawings indicate he intended to have a box that would take an opened pack of twenty cartridges, so the open interior on this is appropriate. The box makes use of his hinged cover, which pivots down and latches on top with a leather tab and keyhole escutcheon.

These boxes were not adopted by the federal government, which had the McKeever for garrison use and cartridge belts for the field, but state governments purchased them and they show up in period photos of militia and national guard troops. The metal fittings likely had a showy appeal. This one has had an 1872 pattern cavalry insignia mounted on the flap. The saber edges are down, rather than up, but militia units still had many of their own uniform specifications.

The loops are secure and overall black finish is good with just minor wear on flex points, like the latch tab, and the center back of the box where it would rub against the waist belt.  [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!