Indian war cartridge box ?

[skippy]

Greetings,

I have a leather cartridge box with the brass lettering of R.L.G. On the inside of the flap it states: Richmond Light Guard 1881. The thing is I can't find anything about the Richmond Light Guard in 1881 except for a short description during the Civil War. I don't think this cartridge box is Civil War. I can't find this cartridge box online or in any literature, period.

Would any one have an idea were to place this cartridge box.

Thank You
Skip

 

[redbob]

Militia or National Guard. These Militia Units were much like Home Guards and were fashionable during this time frame after the Civil War. Another example is the Philadelphia Fire Zouaves which carried on the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry's legacy/tradition after the Civil War .They were more social clubs than active military units. Though not Civil War, it is still a nice piece and the wooden block was for holding probably 45.70 cartridges for the "Trapdoor" Springfield rifle. What does the writing on the inner flap say?

 

[skippy]

Thank you redbob,

The writing reads:

Richmond Light Guard - at Richmond Indiana 1881 - ? collection - takes 45/70 cal. ammo - Linden street. There is also a name in pencil " Chap" upside down. There are at least three different of writing styles, so I guess different people wrote on the flap. Why only I don't know. Have you heard of the Richmond Light Guards by any chance.

 

[redbob]

Try Googleing Wayne County Indiana or Richmond Indiana Historical Society(s) and they may be able to help you. Linden Street may have been where their armory/meeting place was. Good Luck and I've found that the search is the best part of having an object.

 

[skippy]

Thank you redbob, I searched these sites before I posted. I found nothing of satisfaction and yes one of the best parts is the research on relics. I don't post any items unless I've used up all other means available to me. This is when I ask for help. It's
almost as if this "Guard" never existed.

 

[redbob]

Thank you redbob, I searched these sites before I posted. I found nothing of satisfaction and yes one of the best parts is the research on relics. I don't post any items unless I've used up all other means available to me. This is when I ask for help. It's
almost as if this "Guard" never existed.

Don't give up, you never know what may show up around the next corner. Linden Street became Northwest J Street in the late 1920's and the archivist at the Morrisson Reeves Library [email protected] may be able to assist you in your search.

 

[skippy]

Thank you redbob, I will take your advise. I will keep you updated once I have contacted the Library and hopefully hear from them.