Original Item. Only One Available. This is a scarce original packet of six .36 caliber combustible cartridges produced by the American Powder Company produced for use with either the Colt or Whitney .36 caliber “belt” revolvers, known better to collectors as the “navy” models. The pack has been opened and the cartridges are removable. Like all ordnance, this pack is Not Available for Export.

The package measures 2⅜ x 1 7/16” and is clearly block printed on the wrapper in seven lines, with a decorative geometric boarder:

6 Combustible Envelope
CARTRIDGES
Made of American Powder Co’s Powder,
For Remington’s, Colt’s, & other
NAVY OR BELT PISTOLS
36/100 inch Calibre.
WARRANTED SUPERIOR QUALITY

The combustible cartridges for use in Colt’s patent revolvers had been developed during the mid-1850s. Colt had experimented with a variety of combustible materials to contain the powder charge and attach it to the bullet. In addition to being sturdy enough to secure the powder and attach it to the bullet, the cartridge needed to be moisture resistant, if not completely waterproof. Colt experimented with paper, skin (animal intestine) and foil. Interestingly, the foil experiment proved most sturdy and water resistant, but American made tin foil was of such poor quality that it was literally porous and would not serve. As a result, nearly all of the “foil” cartridges produced by Colt used imported foil from Germany. The combustible cartridge did not become universally popular for use in percussion revolvers until the outbreak of the Civil War, which resulted in an unprecedented increase in demand for the cartridges. As a result of the significant demand, the use of German imported foil was no longer practical or cost effective and the less sturdy materials paper and skin were turned to. In the case of paper, the material was also more permeable.

A very nice & scarce pack of cartridges, ready for further research and display!