Chris Henderson/Greg Starbuck project

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

Folks-

I have been working with historical woodworker Chris Henderson on an interesting project.

When I worked at the Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia one of the nicest things we had in our collection was an original Columbus Arsenal ammunition box. I probably don't need to mention how rare these CS ammo boxes are. This particular one came to the museum via a yard sale, a local resident used it as a tool box.

I measured, photographed, and color matched the box hoping that a talented woodworker could bring about a quality repro. Well, here it is. Chris has taken my information and reproduced this box. He hand cut the stencil for the markings.

I don't know how many of these boxes Chris plans to make, but you can contact him directly at crhendersonltd@yahoo.com to see about getting one.

Happy Holidays,

Greg Starbuck

PS What makes this especially sweet is that this Confederate Georgia box is made in Georgia, by a Georgian, out of Georgia wood.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I was talking to Mr. Henderson and exchanging Thanksgiving greetings just the other day and he mentioned in passing that he was going to produce a Columbus box, and I was rather excited, since I had only seen images of the original in Pat Reardon's cartridge book. Chris, you are entirely too modest about how it turned out. I can't wait to get in line for that one. I'll let the better paying customers get dibs!

[OldKingCrow]

"The Laboratory, at present, is the busiest portion of the establishment. On the first floor we saw a large quantity of shell, strapped shot and shrapnel, with other munitions of war in abundance. In the room above, a large force is employed in the manufacture of cartridges. They turn out from 7,000 to 8,000 musket and rifle cartridges per day. Everything prepared here is packed in strong boxes, and appropriately marked. The neatness and order prevailing in the Laboratory reflect credit upon the superintendent." February 6, 1861 Richmond Dispatch

Chris Rideout

[LibertyHallVols]

This particular one came to the museum via a yard sale, a local resident used it as a tool box.

That is very interesting, and a very cool project! Just goes to show that a lot of stuff is still out there.

Now, who's gonna fill one of these puppies? :thinking:

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

Well, if you want to hear another neat box story.

At a recent Richmond Civil War Show (this year) a dealer had for sale a CS wooden box for sale (ammo I think), sticker price was under $10,000.

Another dealer walked by and looking at the box caught the lid in a particular light and noticed some lettering on the top.

Close examination of the box revealed that the letters was "J E B Stuart, CSA" (!!!!!!).

Another dealer found reference of that very box Stuart used (for documents I think) in a primary source.

At the close of the show the dealer/owner of the box had turned down an offer of $35,000 for the box.

True Story

Greg Starbuck

[C.R. Henderson]

That is very interesting, and a very cool project! Just goes to show that a lot of stuff is still out there.

Now, who's gonna fill one of these puppies? :thinking:

I don't know but I want pictures when they do! Seriously.....

This was a tough but fun project and Greg was so VERY helpful. He always had answers to the 15000 emails I sent him. I'm sure he's annoyed with my questions about every little thing. I think I have about 12 or 13 hours in the stencils, alone. My drafting tools got a great workout! Thanks, Greg for everything! Maybe by the first part of next year I'll unveil my next project that is in the works.;)

[Reb Tyree]

Sir

That is a very fine box. Would enjoy more info on the project. As a, GA Boy on the west coast. I would like to complete a kit for my own use.

Yos,

Reb Tyree
1st Sgt 43rd VA Cav, Co. D
(Mosby's Rangers) ACWA

[mslaird]

That is outstanding work, very well done.

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

I think somewhere on a disk I photos of the original. I'll see if I can find them and post them here. It might take me a little while to find that disk.

Greg Starbuck