This rare and original Frankford Arsenal wooden ammunition crate, dated April 21, 1881 (4-21-81), was designed to hold .45-70 cartridges for Trapdoor Springfield Rifles. With clear period markings, including “Caliber .45” and “Frankford Arsenal,” this crate is a true survivor of the Indian Wars era. Most of these crates were repurposed or destroyed, making well-preserved examples like this incredibly scarce. The wood retains its rich patina, and the stenciling remains visible, adding to its historical appeal.

For collectors of U.S. military artifacts and historical firearms memorabilia, this crate is a fantastic find. It serves as both a striking display piece and an authentic relic of the 19th-century U.S. Ordnance Department, embodying a time when these ammunition boxes played a critical role in arming frontier troops.