MILITIA PERCUSSION CAP POUCH, MAKER MARKED BAKER & McKENNEY, NEW YORK, IDENTIFIED TO A. H. WHEELER, CO. A

MILITIA PERCUSSION CAP POUCH, MAKER MARKED BAKER & McKENNEY, NEW YORK, IDENTIFIED TO A. H. WHEELER, CO. A

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9

$395.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1083-13

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

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

A small militia-pattern percussion cap pouch of black-tarred leather, of the reduced size supplied to volunteer and National Guard organizations rather than the heavier U.S. regulation infantry pattern. The one-piece outer flap is rounded at the bottom edge and hand-stitched along the sides, the exterior finished in tar over natural russet leather that shows through at the wear points and along the belt tab. A cast brass cone finial is set at the base of the front. A single wide belt tab is stitched to the reverse and punched for a keeper. The inner flap retains both sewn side protectors, and the body retains its original white lambswool fleece lining, present and intact — an uncommon survival on a pouch of this size.

The inner flap carries the owner's name applied in period ink in a bold hand: A. H. WHEELER / Co. A. The outer flap bears a faintly impressed maker's stamp, largely effaced by age crazing of the tarred surface, read as BAKER & McKENNEY of New York.

The Baker & McKenney partnership was formed in January 1864, when James H. McKenney purchased the military goods business of Laura S. Baker — widow of John A. Baker, who had manufactured military headgear and equipment in New York from the early 1840s. The firm operated briefly at 63 Walker Street before relocating to 141 Grand Street, near Broadway, where it remained for decades. In the fall of 1864 the firm secured a U.S. Army contract for 10,000 sets of accoutrements, and it continued as a principal supplier of uniforms and equipment to state militia and National Guard organizations after the war. The name Baker & McKenney was in use into the early 1870s, the firm afterward trading as J. H. McKenney & Co. and, from 1888, as Ridabock & Company. The maker's mark accordingly places manufacture of this pouch no earlier than 1864.

Pouch body approximately 2 3/4 in. wide x 2 1/4 in. high x 1 in. deep; belt tab extending approximately 2 in. below the body.

CONDITION   Very good. Tarred finish complete over the flap with scattered crazing, flaking and small losses exposing the leather beneath, heaviest at the flap face and lower edge. Leather supple throughout, no breaks. Flap latch tab intact and unbroken. Stitching sound at the sides and along the belt tab. Brass finial secure with light patina. Fleece lining clean and complete. Owner's name legible.  [ss] [ph:L]

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

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 MILITIA PERCUSSION CAP POUCH, MAKER MARKED BAKER & McKENNEY, NEW YORK, IDENTIFIED TO A. H. WHEELER, CO. A

should be empty