These were produced 1865 to 1868. Any ideas how early in 1865 these were produced or when the first one shipped? The War of Northern Agression ended April 9th of that year. Could the earliest of those shipped potentially, if unlikely, been carried by a Civil War soldier, just as there is much ado over a Model No 2 Army that was carried by a soldier during the war? Or did all ship later in the year?

If ship dates were earlier in the year, then speculation as to how long from when shipped to potential purchase by a Civil War soldier is welcome.

I own no. 6295.