Eley Percussion Cap Tin, with caps

This is an original Eley Percussion Cap Tin. The japanned tin container has a diameter of 1 ½” and is about ¾” high. On the lid of the container is “ELEY” and below that “LONDON”. Some of the original percussion caps still remain inside. Sam Colt and the Eley Brothers were collaborators in the development and improvement of paper cartridges and percussion caps for revolvers as early as 1855.

During the Civil War, the Eley firm became a primary supplier of caps for Colt Arms Mfg. Co. and throughout the percussion era. These little japanned tins were a common item with the accoutrements of many cavalrymen, as well as Civil War officers. There are examples of Eley tins in Fighting Men of the Civil War, by William C. Davis, under Confederate firearms (see pictures). There are also dug examples in Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War, by Stanley Phillips. These tins display great on their own, but really compliment just about any type of Civil War revolver.(SOLD)