Enfield Paper Cartridges

David Minshall ©2004

The Cartridge

The paper used in the manufacture of the cartridges is given coverage by Hawes, and it is interesting to note that two different grade papers are employed. The "wrapping," or cartridge paper used in making the cylinder which contains the powder, is a thicker paper than the outside forming paper. The papers are machine cut although they can also be cut to size using tin patterns.

Two tools are used in the rolling of the cartridges, the "former" and the "plug". The "former" is a cylindrical piece of wood or metal, upon which to roll the cartridge paper. It has a hollow or cup at one end, into which some of the paper is pressed by means of the "plug," to form the hollow for the point of the bullet. The tools are made pierced with an air-hole; this prevents the paper from collapsing in withdrawing it after rolling. Once rolled and the bullet secured all that remained was for the cartridge to be filled, twisted, and greased or lubricated.

The empty cartridges were conveyed in boxes by means of wagons to the cartridge-sheds, which were small isolated buildings. Machines were used to fill the cartridges after which they were inspected. Having passed inspection the box containing the cartridges was marked and passed on to the next process.

The superfluous paper at the top of the cartridges was twisted from left to right and pressed down upon the powder at the same time. This done, the cartridges were taken to be lubricated, or dipped. They were fixed in trays which left just that portion alone projecting from the bottom which it was necessary to lubricate. Hawes writes that wax alone was used for the lubrication, or anti-fouling composition, and that is was heated by steam at a temperature of 230° Fahrenheit. The trays of cartridges were placed besides the dipping-pans on metal plates heated by steam until they were thoroughly dry and acquired some slight degree of heat. Each tray was then successively dipped, removed and left to cool thoroughly before packing. For field use or other situations when the cumbersome dipping apparatus was not available, a copper lubrication kettle was available.

Hawes gives much detail on all the operations and continues with discussion of packing and labelling the cartridges, the manufacture of blank and Sharps' cartridges, consideration of lubrication, the manufacture of percussion caps and more. For those of you with a thirst for more detail but who do not have access to Hawes scarce work, it has been reprinted in the USA. The original text has been reset for this soft back book which also includes copies, at reduced size, of the original line drawings. The reprint includes a photographic supplement showing bullets, cartridges, original packaging, moulds and an Anderson bullet machine. [ISBN 1-57747-100-8 - Thomas Publications, P.O. Box 3031, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325, USA - www.thomaspublications.com].