1864 Coston Signal Cartridge Board

[signalman]

This Does not belong to me, however it is a well known Civil War Flare Coston Signal Cartridge Board. Dated on the front, 1864, and picturing an 1862 Army Coston Flare pistol. A picture of this should be on this forum.

There is a pencil written date in the 1880's on the back of the board if I remember correctly.

[Brian Keith]

What a fantastic item! What was the original purpose?
Would this have been displayed by a vendor of Coston Products? Similar to the demo's of ammunition?
BKW

[signalman]

All good Questions, I believe you are correct yet I have nothing to prove it.

[Dr.E13]

I have read extensively about Martha J. Coston, her children and her business. She was way ahead of her time in regards to marketing and self- promotion. Most likely this display board was meant to be a promotional item either to be given as a gift to the "right person" or hung as a display in the "right place." The board was not without purpose or deep thought.

It is likely that the board was created quite a number of years after 1864. For many years she persued the federal government and the navy for compensation she felt they owed her.