D.B. Brooks and brother ran a music and stationery store and joined others such as Hathaway in marketing a convenient roll-up writing kit that found a ready market among new soldiers and the loved ones who wanted to encourage them to write letters home. They improved upon the idea several times by combining the writing kit with other conveniences. This is a nice example of their larger kit, which included both a sewing and toiletry kit, marketed as their “Military and Travelling Writing, Work and Toilet Case.”

This is complete with the Brooks advertising label with January 1864 patent date in place and the flap with loops to retain a razor, comb, etc., along with the basic open tin tube and outer flap that would tie in place around it and secure the contents. An inkwell is in place in the tube, along with a twist of thread and eight buttons, several of the original yellow envelopes and the original printed paper checkerboard. These kits are scarce because they saw use after the war as well and the original elements usually lost and replaced over time. A comb, razor, mechanical pencil, and pen shaft are in place in the loops. Some of these may be wartime and some added later in its life.

The maker/advertising label, complete and fully legible, lists some of the contents of the kit, as well as other versions they were selling. The best reading is the reported reviews: "One of our Generals remarked that this case would be carried on the march, when the Knapsack would be left behind./ Many soldiers who have carried them through a campaign, would not part with them for many times their cost. / It is heartily commended by prominent officers of the Military and Naval Departments.” We might suspect a bit of puffery is involved.

This would make a great addition to a display of soldier’s personal effects, a display of soldier letters, or as one of the many inventions advertised as making a soldier’s life easier such as combination mess gear, etc.  [sr] [ph:m]

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