VERY RARE! Cartridge Bandolier ca. 1640 – 1685, signed George Neumann collection

This is one of the rarest pieces I have to offer….probably the rarest. It is Cartridge Bandolier from the mid-1600s. It came from the George C. Neumann collection, a historian and author of several books, including “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”. On his tag he writes “Early Leather Cartridge Holder, 7 pockets hold turned wooden containers to hold powder”. On the other side of the tag, he actually made a small drawing of this piece, writing “wood cylinders” above it. He also signed it “George C. Neumann” just so it would have 100% provenance.

In the 1600s, the bandolier was common for soldiers. It was the forerunner of the leather enclosed cartridge boxes that would follow. They were shoulder straps used to carry ammunition, specifically cartridges, for muzzle-loading firearms. These bags were designed to improve the efficiency and speed of loading these weapons. Bandoliers were a practical solution to keep ammunition readily accessible and off the soldier's hips, which could otherwise hinder movement.

There are very few surviving examples of 17^th century bandoliers, and I am unaware if any of the American museums have one. I found a similar one in the Army Museum in London and there are some pieces which were recovered during archelogy at Jamestown, VA (see pictures).

Being over 375 years old, I tried not to handle it too much, however it is all still intact and relatively good condition. Of course, this is a one of a kind museum piece and I doubt you will see another. It comes in the glass top display case pictured, and of course the signed tag from Neumann. The friendly layaway is also available.