Civil War Ballot Box with glass balls (SOLD)

This is a rare item being offered, it is a Civil War Ballot Box. The box measures approximately 11” x 6” x 4”, not counting the handle which extends another 4 ½”. It has a sliding wood top and the interior has a partition with a hole. Inside are 19 white glass balls and 9 black balls. This setup allowed the soldier to reach in, select a color, and put it through the hole without others being able to see what he selected.

Early in the Civil War, many State Regiments elected their own officers and non-commissioned officers. Soldiers voted by using the colored balls in the ballot box. The ballot box could also be used for other ordinary duties around camp, such as cleanups and picket duty.

In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I have a similar identified ballot box (see pictures). A period brass plaque on the side of that box states “Co. A / 8^th Ms. Vol. Inf.”, this being the 8^th Massachusetts Infantry.

Overall this is a very nice solid example, only showing typical use. These boxes make a great addition to a Civil War display, and always generate a lot of interest.