Developed by Erastus Blakeslee, a Colonel (brevet Brigadier General) with the 1st Connecticut Volunteer Cavalry, the Blakeslee cartridge boxes carried soldered iron tubes loaded with 7 cartridges for the Spencer Repeater, which allowed for rapid reloading. This particular design was known as the "infantry model". Only 1,000 of these 13 tube variations were produced making this the most rare and desirable of all the Blakeslee's Patent cartridge carriers. This model carries 13 tubes, with black leather around the hexagonal wood core, with a brass hinge on the lid, and a front pocket marked "BLAKESLEE'S CARTRIDGE BOX/U.S./PAT'D DEC. 20, 1861/E. GAYLORD/CHICOPEE/MASS." on the flap.

Excellent. The leather shows some age appropriate cracks and some minor flaking. The flap tabs are torn. The stitching is over all good to very good with some loss on the lid. All markings are clear. The tubes are all original and rate very good to excellent. This is the rarest variation of all Blakeslee's Patent cartridge carriers and in any condition will command a premium. This extremely scarce accessory could fill a gap in even the most advanced Civil War arms or Spencer collection.