This pattern of cartridge box utilized an embossed US within an oval on the cover to replace the separate brass cartridge box plate and reduce cost. Other elements remained the same. The back is set up with vertical belt loops to mount it on a waist belt and horizontal retaining loops and buckles on the bottom of the box for use with a shoulder belt. The buckles, latch tab, inner flap, implement pouch with flap and tab, and side ears on the inner flap are all solid and in place. The box has a nice, smooth finish overall with just a few scuffs that has oxidized toward brown. The inner flap has a Haedrich maker’s stamp at its lower edge. This firm operated out of Philadelphia and had several army contracts. At some point, likely in postwar use, a plate of some sort was mounted on the front of the box. A couple of small holes arranged vertically in the center of the cover show where it was mounted, as do two small stains on the inside of the flap, but these are not very noticeable. The central embossed US in an oval is crisp and very visible. The latch tab on the implement pouch shows some minor flaking from flexing and traces of a black polish. The usual asterisk shaped stake holes made by the leather workers closing up tack holes are there. The inner magazine tins, with their upper dividers are both present.

This a nice example of a regulation issue Civil War cartridge box for infantrymen armed with the .58 caliber rifle musket.  [sr]

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