This cartridge box has a twenty-four hole cartridge block inside and implement or flint pocket that is tacked to its face. The side panels are tombstone shaped, with four brass tacks at each end, securing the block. The single flap is rectangular in shape, with clipped corners, and a narrow-incised border line. Two small holes at the center of the flap indicate it likely once had an L-shaped flat hook at one point that caught a small loop on the bottom front for closure, with the lower edge of the flap extending a short distance below the lower edge of the box. The reverse of the box shows the remains of linen sling that inserted in the seam and tacked in place. Extra pieces of leather show that it was likely repaired at least once in its period of use.

The condition is very good. The flap and side panels have good color and just light pebbling to the surface. The leather used to cover the body of the box was a higher grade and from the tanning process has not fared as well, showing some crackling, shrinkage and edge losses on the reverse and the bottom, and to the implement pocket.

This could date before the War of 1812, but the squarish contour likely pushes it toward the 1820s. The block for twenty-four rounds conforms to the regulations for US militia throughout the period, where all eligible adult males were considered to be part of the “enrolled militia” and expected to show up at inspections and drills with certain equipment or face fines. This is a nice example of an early American cartridge box that would display well with a period “cheesebox” canteen.    [sr]

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