This is a mint example of the regulation Civil War artillery fuse pouch, maker marked and dated, “WATERTOWN / ARSENAL / 1863” on the inner flap. These were worn on a simple leather belt by “Number Four” in an artillery gun crew, tasked with inserting the friction primer in the vent at the breech of the cannon, placing the hook at the end of the lanyard into the primer’s loop, stepping to the side to play out the slack in the lanyard and await the gunner’s command to fire.

This is a mint example with beautiful russet finish and both belt loops and the latch tab still firmly secured by stitching. The seams are tight. Both outer flap and inner flap with side ears are in place and have nicely incised border lines. The markings on the inner flap are crisp. The finish is excellent. We see only a wrinkle or two, the smallest of wear marks on the edge of the flap and a scuff on the reverse of one belt loop, with some light watermarks or stains. The belt loops are sewn, with no rivets. In addition to the arsenal stamp the only markings are the asterisk-shaped stake marks used by the arsenal leather workers to close up tack holes from sewing the box while mounted on a wood form.

This is a top notch example of a basic artillery accouterment often seen in period photos of Civil War gun crews. It is a key piece for a Civil War artillery collection and display. We attach a photo of a crew from the Keystone Battery, with “Number Four” wearing one of these as he poses ready to pull the lanyard. [sr]  [ph:m]

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