|
CIVIL WAR US ARTILLERY TAR/GREASE BUCKET:
One of the more iconic Civil War Artillery implements,
these heavy iron Tar Buckets were supplied to every gun
and caisson. Measuring 8” tall and 7” in diameter, the
bucket has two stout “ears” to which is attached the
suspension ring and chain assembly, for hanging the
bucket from a hook under the axle of the caisson or gun
carriage.
This bucket shows some cosmetic evidence of age, but is
otherwise in very good condition. All of the metal is
solid with no weak points or holes. All of the seams
are intact and all of the original components are
present. The top lid turns freely on the pivot pin, is
in full form, and secures properly in the closed
position where it engages the locking pin. Much of the
original black paint is present, with the remainder of
the metal surfaces having light pitting and an even aged
patina.
Before dismissing this Tar Bucket as too heavy or
cumbersome for your collection, consider assembling a
display similar to a very attractive grouping I saw
years ago. Although the collector did not own an
artillery piece, he had collected a nice grouping of
Civil War artillery implements and uniform pieces. He
built a rack that would support the longer handles of a
wiper, rammer and worm in a classic “stand of arms”
arrangement, and suspended a tar bucket below the
implement heads, creating an impressive display.
This is a very good, solid example and would never need
to be upgraded. $495.00
|
