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Unopened Packet of 10 Burnside Carbine Cartridges

Unopened Packet of 10 Burnside Carbine Cartridges

  • Product Code: BP-1054-SOLD
  • Availability: Out Of Stock
  • $1.00


This is a VERY FINE condition original packet of 10 Burnside Carbine Cartridges, complete with 12 percussion caps. The Burnside carbine holds the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge arms to be acquired for use by the US military. In April of 1856, the US Ordnance Department ordered 200 of the newly developed breech loading, percussion ignition carbines. During the Civil War the Ordnance Department purchased 53,031 Burnside Carbines, making it the third most used breechloading carbine of the war. Only the Sharps and Spencer carbines were acquired in greater numbers during the war. Millions of .54 caliber Burnside cartridges we acquired by the Ordnance Department as well, with records indicating that 21,819,200 of the cartridges were purchased, or 218,192 packets of 10 cartridges!

 

This is one of those packets of cartridges and it is in wonderful condition. The packet is unopened and retains the original label and twine tie. The block printed label reads:

 

10 Cartridges

WITH 12 CAPS

FOR THE

BURNSIDE
BREECH LOADING RIFLE

Patented March 25, 1856

CALIBER 54/100

MADE BY THE

BURNSIDE RIFLE CO.

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

 

 

The packet measures roughly 2 ½” x 2 ½” and is about 1 ¼” thick. As the Burnside cartridges are tapered and arranged in two rows, the packet is a little “lumpy” and irregular. As noted, the packet is unopened and even the original tie string is in place. The block printing on the label is crisp and clear and the packet if free of any rips or tears. 

 

The packet would be a fantastic addition to the display of a high condition Burnside Carbine and other cavalry accouterments. The packet was formerly part of the John J. Malloy collection. Malloy was one of the three authors of the book Percussion Ammunition Packets – Union, Confederate & European.


SOLD

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Tags: Unopened, Packet, of, 10, Burnside, Carbine, Cartridges