The Blakeslee box was the invention of Colonel Erastus Blakeslee, the commander of the 1st Connecticut Cavalry. Col. Blakeslee realized that the slow method of reloading the Spencer rifle and carbine at one cartridge at a time lessened the true effectiveness of this repeater. In early 1864, Col. Blakeslee designed an ammunition carrier containing tin tubes, each holding seven cartridges, enough to load the Spencer's buttstock magazine in one swift motion. The Ordnance Department approved an order for 500 sets of "patent accessories" on September 20, 1864. The boxes were manufactured by John D. Hammond, a Washington contractor. No further orders were placed for the 6-tube Blakeslee boxes, and their service must have been severe as evident by the few surviving examples, often in extremely poor condition. This high condition example is marked "BLAKESLEES PATENT/U.S./CAVEAT FILED SEP. 19-64" on the lid and contains all six tubes. Ammunition not included. Provenance: The David Aroh Collection

Excellent, especially for this model of cartridge box. Retains most of its original bridle leather finish with a number of minor scuffs. The lid marking is clear. All stitching is tight. The brass hangers have an nice aged patina. The implement pouch cover, which is often missing or torn, is excellent. The original six tubes are excellent. Surviving examples of these 6-tube Blakeslee boxes are extremely rare today, and this box is in truly exceptional condition. Certainly one of the finest surviving examples in existence. A rare opportunity to complete a Civil War Spencer display!