Pattern of 1861 US Cartridge Box with both plates, tins and sling! Beginning with the box, it is a good example, with both the outer and inner flap opening freely. The leather is mostly supple, with scuffs and flaking along the edges and the outer flap lower corners bowing slightly upward. Stitching is all intact. S.S. Wilkinson’s stamp is patently visible on the center of the inner flap. Solon S. Wilkinson, of Keene, NH was a registered harness manufacturer, listed in Bazelon and McGuinn as producing accoutrements for the 6^th NH Infantry in 1861. The latch tab exhibits heavy wear, moderate flaking and is split on the left side of the eyelet. The brass finial and sling buckles are present and firmly affixed. The waste belt loops are stiff with gentle wear on the inside surface and rivets and stitching are intact. The inner flap, as well as the implement pouch and strap are supple and very good overall. The tins appear to be very good; they are firmly secured into place. This is a favorable characteristic for collectors, highly supportive of being the originally matched tins that have aged together with the leather box. The cartridge box plate has an even, medium brown patina with light surface scratches at the center. It is held in place by a 5 inch strip of rawhide.

The 2 inch wide sling is very supple, with moderate wear and flaking at the center point. The eagle breast plate has an even brown patina with fine detail. It is held in place by a modern elastic tie. The inner sling has faintly stenciled letters and the numbers “33.” Sling endpoints are firmly bucked to the cartridge box.

On the inside of the sling in strong ink letters is written “C.E. Pinder.” There are four men named Charles or Calvin Pinder enrolled as enlisted infantrymen or artillerymen in the Civil War (none are listed in the CSA Army). Calvin served from 1861-1865 in three different Massachusetts regiments. Charles (1) served in the 15^th NY Heavy Artillery (a unit that fought as both artillery and infantry) and was killed at Petersburg. Charles (2) served in the 6^th Massachusetts Infantry. Charles (3) served in the 15^th Michigan Infantry for all of two months.

A fine accoutrement of a fighting infantryman and worthy of further research.  [JC]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.