BOYD AND SONS CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE

$275.00
Originally $325.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 766-1569

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Introduced in 1839 to be ornamental and functional, the cartridge box plate was made of stamped, rolled brass with a lead solder filled back and served to keep the box flap down even if the soldier left it unlatched. The face shows some traces of its gilt finish but mostly an aged brass tone mixed with rubs, stains and paint drop or two from storage in a basement or garage, but no dents or dings. The iron loops are in place on the reverse and the lead solder fill shows a nice even gray surface with clear Boyd & Sons / Boston stamp. The edge of this one is generally good, with no notches, but the lower face shows two or three small dings at right and two somewhat larger ones at left, which have produced a slight wave to the bottom edge when looked at from below.

The Boyd company was in business in Boston from 1818 dealing in leather gear and had army contracts for accoutrements as early as the Mexican War and was a major supplier in the Civil War. The arched “Boyd and Sons / Boston” backmark was introduced in the 1850s and apparently replaced in 1864 by a straight line stamp (See O’Donnell and Campbell.) The letter style is also known from their early-war plates and the plate does not have the U.S. and inspector’s name stamps required for suppliers to the Springfield Armory in 1864.

Cartridge box plates were declared obsolete in July 1864 with the introduction of infantry cartridge boxes with a less expensive oval / US embossed on the outer flap, but in fact remained in service throughout the war. Most examples are not marked. This is nicely identifiable to a well-known maker.   [SR][PH:M]

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

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

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About BOYD AND SONS CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

1847 CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTIONS OF THANKS TO GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR AND HIS OFFICERS AND MEN FOR MONTERREY, PERSONALLY DISPATCHED BY PRESIDENT POLK

Zachary Taylor received the formal thanks of Congress three times, along with gold medals, for victories in the Mexican War, the largest number of such resolutions and awards made by Congress to anyone. This is an official State Department copy on… (766-938). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

29
Apr

May 16 - 18: N-SSA Spring Nationals, Fort Shenandoah, Winchester, VA Learn More »

Instagram