Previously sold by us, this remarkable leather artifact is a true and original 'Johnny' box that was picked up soon after the fighting had stopped at Gettysburg. The black-dressed, unmarked, leather specimen was found near Long Lane on the fields that witnessed Longstreet's Assault, more commonly called Picket's Charge upon the Federal line at the High Water Mark.

We have consulted with leading Confederate leather experts for our description of this box. The cartridge box is very similar to the pattern produced at one of a number of North Carolina Arsenals during the war and was used to carry .54 caliber ammunition. This veteran CS accoutrement measures 6½" high by 6¾" wide by 1¾" wide and still retains its full leather outer flap, inner flap, both 'ears', thin tool pouch with cover flap and tab; lead finial and two iron roller buckles at box bottom.

Shoulder sling is missing, as are both metal tins and the outer flap closure tab. Backside of this cartridge box exhibits two vertical leather loops and two horizontal shoulder sling loops, all-intact and still strongly stitched. The vertical belt loops show signs of sagging indicative of the piece being worn on the waist belt of the soldier. All leather is remarkably strong but quite stiff and does exhibit areas of cracking and crazing about the outer flap along with some tiny wormholes near the implement pouch. Large outer flap exhibits a prominent upward roll due to the effects of drying and somewhat to the natural tendency of the infantryman to curl the flap for easier access to the cartridges.

The leather on the box sides, bottom and back are in very good condition. Never cleaned, this cartridge box exhibits just light surface dirt.

This Confederate cartridge box, a super battlefield pickup found at Long Lane just days or weeks after the fighting ended at Gettysburg, is identified in John Geiselman's collection by his museum listing.

*******************

The Horse Soldier is pleased to offer a number of items from the John P. Geiselman collection, a collection that was on display for many years at the Geiselman Country Store Museum on Barlow - Two Taverns Road. Geiselman began his collecting as a child in the early 1920s, and during the pre-World II period had access to artifacts that had been purchased earlier at the estate sales of the Trostle, Rogers, Rose, Weikert, and Wentz farms - local properties that figured prominently in the battle and its aftermath. During this period he had access as well to the Hill , Plank, and Stewart collections, and was able to acquire other items that had been sold from turn-of-the-century relics establishments such as the Danner, Ziegler, and Oak Ridge Museums. Furthermore, Geiselman carefully documented most artifacts, and collectors perusing the list will be able to note, in many instances, not only the source of the relic and the date of its recovery, but also the part of the battlefield from which it came. In other words, his collection is the last major grouping of Gettysburg artifacts assembled and documented by a local resident. 

This item is on sale for 10% off of the listed price.