American Civil War Relics Catalog

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Antique Cartridges - Cartridges - Civil War Cartridges

Excavated .58 Johnston & Dow Cartridge

Item #: Z9500

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Z9500 Excavated .58 Johnston & Dow Cartridge

Description: Excellent example of an excavated .577/.58 Johnston & Dow waterproof and combustible paper cartridge. These cartridges are often misidentified as "skin” cartridges, but they were a distinct design patented by Algernon K. Johnston and Lorenzo Dow on October 1, 1861 (U.S. Patent No. 38,393). Their invention featured a paper envelope that was both highly combustible and moisture resistant. The paper case was nitrated and then coated with collodion to make it waterproof, eliminating the need to tear the cartridge open before loading.

Most Johnston & Dow rifle cartridges contained an elongated bullet over 60 grains of black powder. With a diameter of approximately .574 inches, they could be used in both Springfield and Enfield rifled muskets. Numerous examples have been recovered from Civil War sites, demonstrating the durability of their waterproof construction.

This particular specimen was purchased from Homer Cole in 2018 and is almost certainly one from the group recovered from Cold Harbor, Virginia. The bullet shows oxidation typical of ground recovery, and the paper case remains intact. A fine, complete excavated example of a Johnston & Dow paper cartridge from the American Civil War.

Measures: OAL 1.948” D .606”

Reference: "Round Ball to Rimfire” Thomas Vol. 1, Pg. 175, No. 244 (Dug Example)

Recovered: Possibly Cold Harbor, Virginia

Price: $85.00 UPS Shipping Required

Shipping Weight: 0.5 lb

Your Price$85.00 USD

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Ian Workman

American Civil War Relics & Military Antiques