CIVIL WAR BROOKS’ PATENT WRITING, WORK, AND TOILET CASE: “HEARTILY RECOMMENDED BY PROMINENT OFFICERS . . . “

$550.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1256-134

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This is an empty but minty condition Brooks patent writing case with very good condition waterproof cover, missing just the ties, but with no wear spots, and with an excellent Brooks advertising label in place inside bearing the January 1864 patent date, with contents, and testimonials, and also comes with the extra flap with red border and loops for a razor, comb, scissors, etc., constituting the combination case. The tinned iron tube, open along the top for insertion of a inkwell, etc., shows a bright interior, with the outside of the ends showing about half of the original blacking that matched the flap, showing the tin underneath, oxidized to gray. The tube is secured to the waterproof flap by a small rivet at either end.

The maker/advertising label lists some of the contents of the kit, as well as other versions they were selling. The best reading is the assertion the case could be used on horseback and that, "One of our Generals remarked that this case would be carried on the march, when the Knapsack would be left behind./ It is heartily commended by prominent officers of the Military and Naval Departments.” We suspect a bit of puffery is involved.

D.B. Brooks and brother ran a music and stationery store in Salem, Mass., and joined others such as Hathaway in marketing a convenient roll-up writing kit that found a ready market among new soldiers, who were for the first time highly literate, and the loved ones who wanted them to write letters home. Brooks improved upon the idea by stressing its waterproof nature and adding options for upgrading the basic kit.

This would make a great addition to a display of soldier’s personal effects, a display of soldier letters, or as one of the many inventions advertised in the commercial market as making a soldier’s life easier such as combination mess gear, etc.  [sr][ph:L]

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