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4. Johnston & Dow Patented Combustible Waterproof Cartridge

Johnston & Dow Patented Combustible Waterproof Cartridge

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Item: Johnston & Dow Patented Combustible Waterproof Cartridge
Caliber: .58
Construction: Coated combustible paper and lead projectile.
Condition: Very good, excavated. The bullet is in good form, is smooth, and has a tan patina. The paper cartridge case is nearly complete, with a small hole and minor breaks at its bottom edge. The seal of the paper to the bullet shows minor wear but is tight. Overall, the paper case is in good shape but is fragile and as is true for excavated cartridges of this type, should be handled with care and by bullet end only. The cartridge has no repairs.
Recovered: November 1968, Harrison's Landing, VA. Harrison's Landing is the site of General George McClellan's camp during the summer of 1862 after the battle of Malvern Hill. 
Approximate size: 1.9-inch length.
Reference: Similar examples can be found in the following Civil War small arms ammunition reference books:

• "A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges" by James E. Thomas and Dean S. Thomas on page 39, #150B.
• "Round Ball to Rimfire, Part One by Dean S. Thomas p. 175, #244.

See the above pages in the additional images.

Comments: This relic was acquired directly from the family of E. V. Smith. Mr. Smith, a lifelong Virginia relic hunter, thoughtfully recorded the cartridge's month, year and location of recovery. The digger's label will be included. This excavated cartridge will be an excellent addition to any Civil War cartridge, bullet, or general relic collection.

Additionally, and according to "A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges" on page 10, #47 regarding the construction of the Johnston and Dow cartridge,

"Using paper or fabric that was treated to make it combustible, the cartridge case was made and pasted to the bullet in the usual manner. The case was then covered with collodion to make it waterproof."

The fact that complete cartridges are still recovered is a testament to the inventor's claim of them being impervious to the weather. 

On page 168 of "Round Ball to Rimfire, Part One, Dean S. Thomas notes the following:

"Pursuant to Special Orders No. 327 dated December 13, 1861, by command of Major General George B. McClellan, a Board of Officers convened at the Washington Arsenal on December 26, 1861. The Board was charged "to examine and try such arms and projectiles as may be submitted to it." Among the items "examined and tried" were Johnston and Dow's Combustible and Waterproof Cartridges."

This Cartridge is made of combustible paper, with a coating that protects it from moisture. Its range and penetration are equal to those of the ordinary service cartridge. This cartridge is very strong and neatly made, and is not liable to break or become damaged. Several of these Cartridges were submerged in water for six hours, and were afterwards fired without difficulty. The combustion of the paper of which these cartridges were made in the discharge is complete.

It was further the opinion of the Board:

OF CARTRIDGES:
Johnston and Dow's Combustible and Waterproof Cartridge stood all the tests applied to it in the most satisfactory manner, and the Board recommended its general use in the service.

The first order for .58 cal. rifle musket cartridges placed with a company or firm calling themselves "Johnston and Dow" was issued on March 24, 1862, and over the next eleven weeks a total of 1,369,200 Springfield/Enfield rifle musket cartridges were ordered."

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Product Code:

PC11639

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Price:

$55.00

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This brand is available for:

CARTRIDGES , NEW ITEMS , GREAT GIFT IDEAS , FEDERAL RELICS