Description

You asked for it, here it is! This slip case is made of medium weight cotton duck canvas, the same material as our “Army Pattern Haversack”, representing one of the many variations of coated and painted products made during the period for both military supply and private purchase, designed to protect against moisture. Measures 58″ long with the opening end 8″ wide, tapering to 6″ at the closed end. There is a 7″ flap which ties shut with unbleached herringbone cotton tape. (accommodates the m1855, m1861, m1863, and the Enfield rifle muskets all of which were 56″ or less. Note: The m1842 is 58″, the flap is sufficient to cover the end and flat of the butt and tie closed, however, a small portion of the top and bottom edge corners of the butt may be exposed where the flap folds over and the butt plate is at the end of the opening of the slip case) Military trials for musket and gun cases made from various “waterproofing” materials began as early as the 1830s. By the 1850s there were more than a few manufacturers of materials with painted coatings and gutta percha or vulcanized rubber. Marked for either the Holton and Martin Tarpaulin Depot of Saint Louis, who had pre-war and wartime contracts for haversacks and were established producers of such “waterproofed” items including gun, sword, and musket cases, or, D.B. Camp of Savannah, GA, a dealer and producer of all manner of goods in the prewar, wartime, and postwar period, being one of the few who survived the conflict in business. He was also one of the very few southern prewar and wartime entrepreneurs who advertised as a dealer and maker of rubber and waterproofed goods. This material, while advertised as such during the period, is NOT “waterproof”, but like the haversack, coated with a water repellent black paint formulated just as in the day, to protect against moisture and dampness. While thicker and possibly more sturdy for rigorous campaign use than the thinner vulcanized rubber cotton drill, the vulcanized material is a more permeated and sealed surface and may provide a more robust protection against extended contact with water. Here we simply offer an authentic choice based on one’s preferences. This in no way suggests that the vulcanized rubber cotton drill cases are less appropriate. In fact, production during the period suggests they were likely in greater manufacture, at least by major producing companies with wider distribution, and as a result likely even more common in the period. Our research has found no such item made for such weapons of the period were produced that proved durable or resistant long term against extended wear under such stress. Extended use and exposure to friction can result in wear to the surface which will diminish the resistance to moisture.  Additionally, like the vulcanized cotton drill cases, the canvas cover is not padded and is not an overall protective case against damage to your weapon. It is recommended that a musket/carbine/sword be wrapped or placed in a gun sock for such protection and place the canvas case over it if that is the desired result. Furthermore, if not wrapped, it is still recommended that at least the musket/carbine hammer, or any other relatively sharp protrusion be wrapped and protected as this part may damage the case or coating if pushed or banged against it with sufficient force.