An item that more than likely saw Confederate use, the cartridge box is a .58 caliber Pattern 1861 .58 box. The leather is in good used condition. The surface finished has faded to a brown from the black but the leather is in very nice shape.

The outer flap has an oval US plate affixed with rusted wire. Carved into the leather are two letter “M”s, one in each upper corner. Each is done in the cursive style and meas. approx. 1.25 inches high x 1.50 inches wide. The latch tab of the box is held to the underside of the flap by a single line of stitching and no rivet. Latch tab is complete but split. Leather surface shows very small amounts of crazing and light wear.

Inner flap has both ears, each with a stamped asterisk on their face. One is curled inward while the other is leaning slightly outward.

The interior is minus the tins but does still have 6 unfired minie balls. Implement pocket is complete with just a small amount of wear on the latch.

The bottom of the box has a large round finial with both roller buckles. The leather under the buckles is slightly indented from use. Back has both sling and belt loops with the belt loops showing some wear from use. Loops are riveted and sewn. The body of the box matches the rest of the surfaces with light to moderate surface dirt and light wear.

With the box is a long belt that looks to be made of pigskin, which has been converted for use as a cartridge box sling. Belt is a little still and slightly curled along one edge. One end holds a very nice “puppy paw” style Pattern 1839 oval US belt plate while the opposite end is tapered and has four size adjustment holes. The body of the belt meas. approx. 1.50 inches wide while the tapered end narrows to approx. 0.75 of an inch in width. It is 57.00 inches long. The belt surface has some light to moderate surface dirt and wear to match the cartridge box. There is also one small tear about the mid-point but this is minor.

With the item is a letter from April of 1984 written by a previous owner. The letter accurately describes the cartridge box and belt and states that this item along with a sword and musket were obtained by a young boy who was the member of a local family. The letter states that while Confederates were camped in the area of the young boy’s farm, he visited the camp and procured the three items mentioned. The writer of this letter explains that he obtained the cartridge box and belt many years later at an auction held by the boy’s descendants. At the time of the auction the musket was missing and the family bought back the sword. The letter discloses the family name that the item came from. Research does show a family by the name living in the area of the Confederate encampment.

A very interesting relic with a good history.  [ad]