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RARE DRAGOON MODEL 1839 PISTOL CARTRIDGE BOX –
MAKER MARKED “DINGEE”, COMPLETE WITH PLATE AND TIN
LINER: The Model 1839 Pistol Cartridge Box,
introduced for the M1842 Aston Pistol, and likely used
with the M1836 Pistols still in service, features a
single tin insert that provides two lower compartments
for full packets of ammunition and 5 smaller
compartments in the upper tier, each to hold four
individual rounds once they are removed from the
packets. As described in the 1841 Ordnance Manual, the
body of the box measures 6.2” long, 1.3”
wide, and 3.5” high, is double flapped and has no
implement pouch on the front of the body. These M1839
Pistol Cartridge Boxes were often modified through the
years to carry different cartridges by modifying the tin
liner or replacing it entirely with a wooden block
drilled to carry the desired rounds, hence finding one
of these early cartridge boxes with its original liner
present and intact is very rare, to the point that many
collectors have never had the opportunity to handle a
specimen, much less add one to their collection during a
lifetime of accoutrement collecting.
This Model 1839 Pistol Cartridge Box is in very good
condition, showing only minimal evidence of aging. The
belt loops, the interior flap, and the closing tab are
present, intact and full form. The leather surface
throughout has a bright, smooth, shiny surface with only
minor crazing on the exterior flap. The correct tin
liner is present, intact and unmodified. The correct
brass oval “US” plate measuring 2.8” by 1.6” is present,
attached with the original thongs through the eyelets on
the reverse. The interior flap bears the legible maker
stamp, “H.A. DINGEE, N. YORK”.
This rare and collectable cartridge box is an excellent
example of the early M1839 Pistol Cartridge Box and will
make an important addition to even the more advanced
accoutrement and Dragoon collections, and would make a
nice piece to display with a fine Model 1842 Pistol. SOLD
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