Intended to carry forty .58 caliber cartridges, the standard load for an infantryman, the 1864 pattern cartridge box cut production cost by eliminating the use of the brass cartridge box plate and substituting an embossed US in an oval on the outer flap. This is a mint example of a key Civil War accoutrement. The finish is completely intact with no flaking, just minor flexing, and with no preservatives or polish applied. All belt loops, buckles and latch tab are in place and secure. Both tin magazines are present inside, each intended to hold an open pack of ten cartridges in the upper tray and a reserve pack of ten in the compartment beneath. The implement pouch for gun tools is intact with its separate flap and latch tab. The inner flap with its side ears is likewise in place and bears a crisp maker’s stamp reading “R. NECE / PHILAD” with a clear ordnance sub-inspector stamp above from F. A. SNIFFEN. Reuben Nece had several contracts for these boxes, which he delivered to the Frankford Arsenal.

This pattern arrived in time to see service in the bloody fighting around Petersburg and in some of the great western campaigns. This is a superior example that would go great next to a rifle musket, in a display of infantry gear, or a collection of accoutrements. It would be hard to find a better example.  [SR]

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