Cartridge Box
The body of this box is of wood, hollowed out to fit four cylindrical cartridges, and was once covered with black velvet, now completely worn. The mounts are of silver engraved with arabeques, geometric patterns, a pheasant on the front strap, a standing horse on the bottom, and a fox on the back. On the cover is the coat of arms (a storming ladder) and the initials H G W of Hans Georg Wehse, the court marshal (Hofmarschall</i<) of Saxony. The hinged cover is locked by a spring-catch released by a knob on the underside. Three brackets held the carrying straps. The silversmith's mark, B P within a heart-shaped shield, is stamped inside the box between the four openings for the cartridges. The back and bottom are further marked with the Roman numeral I.
In the sixteenth century, paper cartridges were introduced for faster reloading of firearms. Each cartridge contained a premeasured powder charge and a bullet; after one end of the paper wrapping was torn open, the powder and bullet were poured down the barrel, followed by the paper which served as a wad.
Hans Georg Wehse was the commander of the Trabantenleibgarde, the bodyguard of the Prince Electors of Saxony at Dresden, during the reigns of Christian I (1586–91), and Christian II (1601–11), as well as during the interim regency of Frederick Wilhelm (1591–1601). Wehse is recorded as having supplied equipment for the Trabantenleibgarde at his own expense. This cartridge box, serial number I, with his personal arms, was probably his own as commander of the guard.
In the sixteenth century, paper cartridges were introduced for faster reloading of firearms. Each cartridge contained a premeasured powder charge and a bullet; after one end of the paper wrapping was torn open, the powder and bullet were poured down the barrel, followed by the paper which served as a wad.
Hans Georg Wehse was the commander of the Trabantenleibgarde, the bodyguard of the Prince Electors of Saxony at Dresden, during the reigns of Christian I (1586–91), and Christian II (1601–11), as well as during the interim regency of Frederick Wilhelm (1591–1601). Wehse is recorded as having supplied equipment for the Trabantenleibgarde at his own expense. This cartridge box, serial number I, with his personal arms, was probably his own as commander of the guard.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cartridge Box
- Date: late 16th century
- Geography: Saxony
- Culture: German, Saxony
- Medium: Steel, silver, wood, velvet
- Dimensions: H. 4 in. (10.2 cm); Wt. 10.9 oz. (309 g)
- Classification: Firearms Accessories
- Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Funds from various donors, 1929
- Object Number: 29.158.700
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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