Cartridge Packs

[orngblsm]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Now from what I've read so far I can't find any mention of them putting the caps in the pack in a paper tube. Only a references I've found so far were from reenactors who instruct others to do this.

AdamL,

Take a look at page 268 of the US ordnance manual of 1862.

"BUNDLING CARTRIDGES. - ...insert a package of caps in the end of the
bundle next to the ends of the lower tier...
CASES FOR PERCUSSION-CAPS.- These are rolled on a former, .54 inch in
diameter, choked at one end and tied. Twelve caps are put in, and the case
is closed by twisting the open end of the case."

What i have never found reference to is rolling cap tubes out of green paper? Anyone have a specifice reference to this?

Respectfully,

[newshirt]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Now from what I've read so far I can't find any mention of them putting the caps in the pack in a paper tube.

From the ordnance manual:

A package of twelve percussion-caps is placed in each bundle of ten cartridges, at the end of the bundle.

http://books.google.com/books?id=ugUEAAAAIAAJ&q=%22A+package+of+twelve+percussion-caps%22&dq=%22A+package+of+twelve+percussion-caps%22

[Adam L]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Thank you, I wish that google books site would let me read the rest of the ordinance manual. Did I do justice otherwise in recreating the pack? Does anyone have a photo of a period federal ammo pack with an intact label?

Regards,
Adam LIPKA

[orngblsm]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Adam,

The entire Ordnace manual from 1850 and 1862 are both fully viewable and downloadable on google books.



Here are some labeled cartridge packs

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Hallo!

The explosion in September of 1862 at the Allegheny Arsenal killed 78, most young women and girls, some standing in line waiting to be paid.

(Just an aside, some of the "look" of surviving arsenal bundles is due to Time.

I have bundles from events as far back as 2002, that due to time and "jostling" or handling, have become rounded and out-of-sorts.)

Curt

[Adam L]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Thanks again, It took a bunch of effort but I was finally able to get the google book to load and I still don't know why the computer wouldn't do it the first several tries. I'm going to be making a few changes for acuracies sake and trying again.

Regards,
Adam LIPKA

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Hallo!

Just an aside...

If you are looking to be able to make a "crisper" bundle with more 90 degree squared edges, there is a modern expedient some use.

Rather than use the "rail jig" for assembling/wrapping your cartridge bundle, one can use the modern "block jig" if the end result is of greater importance than the historical assembly practice.
The block jig is an actual block of wood that serves as something as wrapping a Christmas present. The wrapper is "assembled" around the block making crisp angle folds, and the one side of the block has a lag bolt that enables one to slide the block out of the formed wrapper, insert the cartridges and caps, and seal that end of the "present."

Curt

[Adam L]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Okay so here is my 2nd try. This is loaded with live ammo and the percussion caps as per the manual. Did I do it well enough for pass inspection by the authentics? Thank you for the considerations ahead of time. I really am trying to do this right but you all are my only source for instruction and criticism so your help is greatly appreciated.



Regards,
Adam LIPKA

[orngblsm]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Adam,

Nice work on the pack. They will definitly pass with the authentics, at least with most i've come in contact with. Labels are a funny thing, I stay away from them because i haven't found enough evidence personally that enables me to produce an authentic label. But keep at it and your packs will get better and better each time.

Cheers,

[Dreamer42]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Echoing what Curt mentioned...attached are my tools of the trade. Note the block. I tried the whole "line up the cartridges and form the wrapper around them" thing but it was frustrating and time consuming.
Round off the corners. It is a snug fit for .58, but works very well.

- Jay Reid
Dreamer42
9th Texas

[CHIANTI]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Would love to get some labels from you if you can oblige
albert raia
raia44@aol.com

[4VADRUMMER]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Great work! Now, can someone give me the dimensions for a .69 cal (42 Springfield) cartridge package so I can make one of those block forms? I have been out of the Infantry for 20 years guys! I want to do it right and look forward to making some cartridges and cartridge packs. I think I'm going to use a Richmond arsenal stamp however as my primary impression is ANV. Any help is appreciated gents. Thanks

[CHIANTI]

Re: Cartridge Packs

The patrick readon little booklet is what i used and he has dimensions for both 577 and 69 caliber paks ,if you have stamps for wrappers in either cal would love to make copy or have it done , thanks
albert raia

[CHIANTI]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Sorry cant type well its a booklet by patrick reardon i bought mine from dixie
albert raia

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Cartridge Packs

Hallo!

Just a quick caveat that with the exception of the St. Louis arsenal, and the Confederates,, cartridge bundle labels are a pre War thing (which could be stretched into 1861).

The Ordnance Manual (1861) gives the measurements of the .69 RB bundle as:

Length: 2.5"
Width: 3.4'
Depth: 1.45"

Curt