Iron Finial on British Gear?

[tiger_rifles]

Hello All,
While searching the web for something else.... I found a relic seller that had an Iron Finial, dug from the G-Burg, Pa. area. I looked just like a finial from a Enfield Cartridge Box,( small bar-bell with round ball on one end and square plate on the other). I have only seen these in brass.

Did British gear have iron finials?

I have seen some CS Cartridge Boxes with brass, British style finials.
Could this be from a CS Box and not an Enfield Box?

Thanks to all, Paul Bennett

[Jimmayo]

Re: Iron Finial on British Gear?

Wood, lead and brass are documented materials for CS box finials. Iron is somewhat hard to work with and I have never seen a box with an iron finial but I wouldn't be surprised if some were used.

[Iron Scout]

Re: Iron Finial on British Gear?

Paul,

Please see if you can't find the link to the site and post it. I'm working on an article and this would fit in nicely. While I've never seen an iron English finial of any sort, I wouldn't be suprised at all. Iron English knapsack hooks are dug from time to time. Also, considering the contractors were manufacturing the Brit specs but not level of quality generally, iron items could have been a cost savings. Huse would have cared less as long as the item served it's purpose.

Neill Rose
PLHA

[tiger_rifles]

Re: Iron Finial on British Gear?

I was afraid someone might ask this, I just can not find it again. I know that I was looking up CS Cartridge boxes that were picked up at G-burg. It was one of the many sites selling/auctioning original/relics.

I believe,(not 100% sure), that the featured item on this same site was a Cartridge box that had been hanging from the wall by its finial strap and had dried so that the front flap was wide open. They also described this box as rough side out, but i can even find this box/site now!

Way down the page they had it listed as a British iron finial. It had been dug and was rusted, but still had that classic shape of a Enfield, sewn in finial.
Sorry, Paul Bennett

[Jimmayo]

Re: Iron Finial on British Gear?

Paul,

Iron English knapsack hooks are dug from time to time.
Neill Rose
PLHA

Neill: Do these iron hooks look like any you have seen? I have seen some dug in Wilmington that look very much like the fed ones only they are iron wire with a lead top.

I have not seen any like these in the picture. The fed hook is there for size reference.

Thanks for looking.

[Iron Scout]

Re: Iron Finial on British Gear?

Jim,

Hmmm, very interesting hook. May be a story behind that piece all to itself. No, I was talking about I&C knapsack hooks. Just like the brass one's, only iron. See probably about a dozen over the years. All the examples appear to be well cast.

Neill Rose
PLHA