Soldiers entering the military were given standard issue uniforms and weapon accoutrements.  The cartridge box was one of these items.  The 1864 cartridge box pictured here held .58 caliber bullets housed in two tin compartments.  The tin compartments are original to the item and are in good condition.  The box was to be secured on a waist belt or shoulder belt and accompanied a rifled musket.    There is a manufacturer’s stamp on the back of the cartridge box that reads “S. H Young Co., Newark, New Jersey.”  In the later years of the war private companies were enlisted in addition to government operated arsenals to manufacture army supplies.  Due to the cost of war, companies were looking at ways to ‘cut back’ on manufacturing costs.  The patterned July 1864 cartridge box was made without the standard ‘U.S’ plate that was issued in previous years.  Instead of a plate, there was an embossed/or stamped ‘U.S’ on the front flap of the box; this was one way to help cut down on costs.  The item has the embossed U.S on the over flap.  The over flap is worn and the leather closing tab has been repaired with stitching.  The inside of the box is in OK condition with a few cracks in the leather.  The box displays tight stitching and the buckles are in good condition.  [MK]

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