Presented here is a remarkable, completely original Civil War Confederate leather cartridge box in wonderful condition that still retains its original, black painted-linen shoulder sling. A true veteran of the war, this CS .69 caliber leather cartridge box has had its outer flap cut down and modified by a Southern infantryman to give easy access to the paper cartridges within the body of the box. The leather specimen is unmarked and comes complete with both metal cartridge tins, both leather flaps, leather closure tabs, implement pouch, both japanned roller buckles and clasps, and the vertical and horizontal leather loops. 

In addition, the box retains its very rare, two-ply painted-linen, original shoulder sling. Sling, which has been stitched and reinforced with threading sewn in a decorative, diamond-pattern design over the entire strap, even has its two leather billets secured tightly to the buckles. The shoulder strap is in very good condition and measures approximately 66" long x 1¾" wide and is made from coarse, double-ply linen material. Sling has one weak area that has been re-enforced with a smaller rectangular piece of the same type of linen material. 

Outer flap measures approximately 8" across the top with a 3½" high, heavily cut and scalloped front edge that has a makeshift 6" long x 1" wide leather closure tab. Tab was once a portion of the original flap that has also been modified with an extra section of leather sewn to the tab. Inner box flap is thin but strong and retains just one of the end flaps or "ears" sewn to the edge. Flap on the implement pouch has most of its hand-stitched stitching torn away from the box. The original tins retain a bright sheen and are strong and intact. Box bottom has a brass pear-shaped finial tightly secured. Backside of box has the two horizontal leather strap loops at the top along with two vertical belt loops. Loops are strong and secured to box with stitching and no rivets. 

All box leather is dry with light to moderate cracking and creasing visible on the hinge area of the outer flap. Signs of surface flaking appear along the bottom of the box exterior but this Confederate leather specimen is remarkably strong and supple still.

Original rebel leather, in any condition, is quite difficult to procure on the market today. This wonderful, Southern accoutrement slung by a rebel soldier is a superb artifact and a piece that would greatly enhance any fine Confederate collection or Civil War military display.