Description:

BLACK SOLDIER'S CAP TIN BOX
Small oval box, 2 3/4" x 1 1/2" x 1", custom made and hand-painted with the stars and stripes of the United States on the sides, and a red, white, and blue-striped shield on the lid. In the center of this shield is a portrait of an African-American soldier in a Union army uniform. The crossed sword insignia visible on his kepi marks him as a cavalryman, most likely a member of one of the six regiments of United States Colored Cavalry organized during the Civil War. These regiments and other African-American units would be reorganized at the end of the war, becoming the famed "Buffalo Soldiers" active throughout the Indian Wars. African-American troops were subject to ridicule by their white comrades, and those captured were frequently executed by Confederate soldiers, who considered them slave insurrectionists. Boxes such as this would have held the percussion caps required to ignite the gunpowder used in a soldier's rifle or pistol, and would therefore have been a vital part of his gear. The decorations on this example show a great pride for its owner's country and his military service. Moderately tarnished with age, slightly dented on the lid, else very good.

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Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

December 9, 2015 10:30 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000