Also known as a tube pouch, fuze pouch and other names, these small leather boxes carried the primers for naval cannon and were worn on the waistbelt by a member of the gun crew who would insert a primer in the cannon’s vent in preparation for firing. This is squarish, made of black leather, the cover flap having rounded lower edges and point and provided with a sewn latch tab that fastens on a brass finial on the bottom of the box to secure the flap. The back is fitted with a single, wide leather belt loop.

The box is in very good condition, with latch tab and belt loop securely in place, good color, showing a very slight oxidation toward brown, and good seams. The flap shows overall crazing to the finish from flexing, with some abrasion and loss of finish at upper right from flexing and small losses on the edges of the bottom from wear or bending of the leather while in storage. This has not been treated with any coloring, polish, leather dressing or preservatives. Please see our photos.

We include in the listing a Civil War photo of US Navy gun crew, with help from a Marine (wearing the kepi and white belts,) posed for action. The sailor at center, with one hand on the elevating screw and the other near the gunlock clearly wears one of these on his belt. The firing lanyard is stretched across in front of him as he appears to examine the gun lock, having just inserted the primer for firing.  [sr] [ph:L]

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