Antique 1812 U.S. Army Artillery Baldric; Leather Brass Cross Cannon Ammo Case

Description

Rare original US Army Artillery accoutrement or ammo box with a shoulder strap; brass and silver shield; and the original brass pick, chain, and holder. All still attached to the shoulder strap which is in remarkable condition for its age. The shoulder strap is still all there and fully intact. Still mostly soft and pliable. Let’s start though with the box. It is what would be an accountant, fuse, or artillery box. Black leather, has two crossed 3 5/8 inches big brass cannons insignia attached to the box lid with a flaming brass bomb 1 1/4” above it at center on lid cover. Lid also has a thick brass edge protector all the way around it. Side of box also has brass covers or caps over each end that are 1 1/4 inch wide by 3 1/4 inches high. These end caps have a thick brass attachment piece with a hole on each at the top to secure the shoulder hooks on. The overall the box measures lid: 6 1/2” long x 4 1/8” wide; box itself is 5 1/2” x 3 1/4”. The lid opens part way to reach inside box easily. Has ancient stamp with all the original ink writing that says: (handwriting difficult to read) No. 19-- 2d Officer-- Artillery (and a name looks like) Giberne; 1837”. Box has a brass attachment knob sticking up almost half inch. Leather tab broken off and now missing as usual. Just light flaking off lid inside leather here and there; but very minor. Next shoulder strap is black harness leather. Has original half inch dome brass (two) hold down large rivets to secure the end of the strap near the brass swivel latch and holder. The leather belt then loops over two brass 3 inch wide holders that have a swivel brass eye hook to hold the strap to the box on each side. The shoulder belt is 2 1/4” wide, no cracks, no breaks or no major damage mostly still pliable. Even has a brass belt buckle, a fancy narrow oval brass keeper, and a fancy brass end of belt protector. Inside shoulder strap has an extra rare soft brown velvet liner for comfort when carrying it. The brown liner is
90 to 95% there a couple missing bits on lining only. Leather belt 100% there. Liner
used to be stitched directly to the leather. But I believe it is now glued down at some point in it’s history. It is original, not added, and looks great. One of the nicest parts of this rig is the fancy "classic brass shield"(see photo) with a silver cross at center. The shield is 2“ x
1 1/2“. Unbelievably, there is still a 5 1/2 inch long brass chain from the base of the shield to a brass “pick”, with a brass ring at top, brass push knob this all measuring 2 1/2” long. When not in use the pick is securely stored in a brass holder attached to the leather. This pick was probably use to clear the fuse hole. If you think this rig or any part of it is a reproduction, please do not bid or even email me. I have collected antiques for over 50 years and know the difference. This rig is an Early American Military Rarity that should be in a museum somewhere. It is from 1812 to the 1830s. See all photographs and details as there are no returns. Retail this should resell in the 00 to 00 range minimum.