British Made Cap & Waiting Pouch Purchased For Massachusetts Troops

British Made Cap & Waiting Pouch Purchased For Massachusetts Troops. I purchased this pouch (and a Enfield bayonet scabbard listed separately), recently and was told both were part of a large purchase of accoutrements from England. In April of 1861, Governor John A. Andrews of Massachusetts sent Francis Boardman Crowninshild  to purchase 25,000 stands of arms and equipment. Included in this purchase approximately 10,000 sets of British made accoutrements, used with Enfield rifles.

This pouch is called a cap and waiting pouch, which had a small inner pouch for caps, and a front pocket large enough to hold 10 paper cartridges for quick access when needed, being much more readily accessible than using the larger standard cartridge box. There are no markings on the piece.

The flap is 6 inches wide over a rounded pouch. Stitching on the left side has popped, but easily repaired if so desired. Fine for display as is. Some crackled leather on surfaces and overall in very good condition.

Francis Boardman Crowninshield was a former Speaker of the Mass. House of Representatives, a member of a prominent business family in New England, with great business connections. Most capable to hand this matter, he went to England to procure the State’s military needs, having to compete with other states in the Union, as well as buyers for the Confederacy.