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German, probably Brunswick

Cartridge Box

1570/80
Steel, iron and wood

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

To aid in loading pistols from horseback, a premeasured amount of black powder and a lead ball were prepared in cylindrical paper cartridges. This box suspended from the shooter’s belt and could contain four such cartridges. The shooter would tear the paper, pour the powder charge down the barrel, and tamp the bullet over the charge. Cartridge boxes were often ornamented with figures and coats of arms. This one is startlingly embossed with two lovers, a subject frequently associated with shooting in this period.

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