This American artifact is a very early and seldom seen pattern of a militia leather cartridge box, circa 1820s, still in remarkably intact condition. The large .71 or .72 caliber cartridge box was part of the accoutrement set used with flintlock muskets and carried by U.S. infantry of the time.

This black leather militia box was standard infantry equipment until the more familiar 1808 and later 1839 Pattern cartridge box emerged to replace it. Box body measures 5” wide x 3½” high x 2” deep and has a unique one-piece cartridge tin allocated into thirteen cylindrical tubes that held the paper cartridges.

Unique to this style box is that it employs a thin, light brown leather waist belt of sorts, 3½” wide that integrates a leather cup to retain the cartridge tin and also wraps around the waist of the soldier when worn. The scalloped outer leather flap measures 6” wide at the bottom and 5½” wide at the top hinge area. Flap exhibits a hard and stiff leather surface with crazing and scattered spots of flaking. No red rot is evident. Outer flap has no “ears”.

This ammunition box accommodated thirteen paper cartridges housed in a tin holder laid out in two horizontal rows. Tin in excellent condition. Original leather closure tab sewn to the underside of the flap with single line stitching. Tab is intact and not torn or ripped but has no brass finial to secure to.

This early militia cartridge box is a unique specimen that is still in good condition overall and would certainly enhance any leather accoutrement collection or military display.  [ra] [ph:L]

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