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American Powder Company Packet of 5 Pocket Revolver Cartridges

American Powder Company Packet of 5 Pocket Revolver Cartridges

  • Product Code: BP-1049-SOLD
  • Availability: Out Of Stock
  • $1.00


This is a FINE condition original packet of five .31 caliber combustible cartridges produced by the by the American Powder Company produced for use with either the Colt or Remington .31 caliber “pocket” revolvers. The package is clearly block printed on the wrapper in seven lines, with a decorative geometric boarder:

 

5 Combustible Envelope

CARTRIDGES,

Made of Am’r Powder Co’s Powder,

FOR COLT’S OR REMINGTON’S

Revolving Pocket Pistols

31-100 inch Calibre.

Warranted Superior Quality

 

The rectangular packet measures 1.76” x 1.32” (1.21”) x .41”, with the short ends tapered. The combustible cartridges for use in Colt’s patent revolvers had been developed during the mid-1850s. Colt had experimented with a variety of combustible materials to contain the powder charge and attach it to the bullet. In addition to being sturdy enough to secure the powder and attach it to the bullet, the cartridge needed to be moisture resistant, if not completely waterproof. Colt experimented with paper, skin (animal intestine) and foil. Interestingly, the foil experiment proved most sturdy and water resistant, but American made tin foil was of such poor quality that it was literally porous and would not serve. As a result, nearly all of the “foil” cartridges produced by Colt used imported foil from Germany. The combustible cartridge did not become universally popular for use in percussion revolvers until the outbreak of the Civil War, which resulted in an unprecedented increase in demand for the cartridges. As a result of the significant demand, the use of German imported foil was no longer practical or cost effective and the less sturdy materials paper and skin were turned to. In the case of paper, the material was also more permeable.

Colt produced cartridges in his own factory, the Colt Cartridge Works. This was essentially a joint venture with “Colonel Hazard”, of Hazard’s Powder Company. Other major cartridge manufactures soon established themselves in Connecticut as well, including the firm of D.C. Sage of Middletown and Robert Chadwick of Hartford. In London, the premier cartridge maker was the firm of Eley Brothers.

This package of 5 Combustible Envelope Cartridges for Colt’s or Remington’s Pocket Revolvers is in FINE condition. The package has been wrapped in plastic to protect it from handling damage. The block printed label remains in wonderful condition with all of the print clear and completely legible. The package remains unopened and shows only some minor discoloration and light wear to the outer wrapping from handling and age. The package remains complete and intact.

Overall this is a very nice condition and very displayable example of an original and complete cartridge packet intended for use with the .31 caliber revolvers of the Civil War era. This would be a fantastic addition to a high condition cased Colt or Remington Pocket revolver, or simply to display with one of the guns, or even add to a cartridge collection. This packet is very attractive with a very crisp label that looks great.

Due to the presence of black powder, this item must be shipped via UPS Ground with an explosives/ammunition tag. This may not be shipped via air or US Mail.

SOLD

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Tags: American, Powder, Company, Packet, of, 5, Pocket, Revolver, Cartridges