This carbine cartridge box is an original example of the classic leather accoutrement carried by Federal mounted forces during the Civil War. This specimen is constructed of strong, black bridle leather. When closed, the large leather outer flap and smaller inner flap protect the ammunition in the carbine box.

The strong outer flap has a mild scalloped front edge. Leather is slightly stiff. Stitched to the center edge of the main flap was a leather closure tab that is now gone. Inner flap retains both side “ears”. Inner flap has no maker’s stamp.  Inner flap closes over a small implement pouch sewn to the front of the box. There is no wood cartridge block.

Bottom of box has a brass finial and both black japanned roller buckles. On the box’s back side there remains two of the vertical, leather belt loops with a single horizontal leather strip. All stitching remains strong and tight. A nice example of a Civil War Federal carbine cartridge box.   [jet]