Description
General Alexander Dyer, then Chief of Ordnance, crafted this cartridge box to address the challenge of carrying ammunition for the Colt Single Action revolvers issued during the late 19th century. The .45 caliber cartridges were sizable and needed a container that was both sturdy and easy to access amid the rigors of combat. Dyer’s design provided a tough leather box with a secure flap, embossed with the “US” to signify its military use.
These replicas faithfully follow the original construction, featuring genuine leather treated to withstand wear and fitted with brass hardware typical of the period. Inside, a fleece lining cushions the cartridges, keeping them snug to prevent rattling or damage as soldiers moved. Offered in black or brown leather, these boxes reflect the practical materials and colors chosen by ordnance officers of the time.
Fun fact: The Dyer Cartridge box was designed so that cartridges were stored in a way that allowed soldiers to reload their revolvers swiftly, providing a crucial edge during the close-quarters firefights common in the Indian Wars and other conflicts of the late 1800s.
