This Civil War leather accoutrement is a Federal Pattern of 1861 rifle musket cartridge box used to hold forty, .58 caliber paper cartridges. Complete with tins and shoulder sling. Both brass plates are also present. This cartridge box was the type issued to Federal infantry through the 1860s.

The large outer flap has its original, oval, brass box plate with a bordered rim with two letters “US” on the face. The fine condition plate has acquired a very pleasing, dark patina. Plate is secured on the inside of the flap with two small pieces of leather thong. Sewn to the outer flap, in a straight line, is the leather closure latch tab. This tab is well-worn and has a small repaired break. A round brass finial on the box bottom secured the latch tab. The outer flap exhibits use by way of curled lower corners. These “curls” formed from continually reaching into the box for cartridges. The initials “J.J.B.” are also found on the flap above the brass plate.

The implement pouch on the inside remains complete and supple. The inner flap is unmarked and only retains one of the side “ears”. There is a waxy build-up of old leather preservative on the inside that should easily wipe off. The two cartridge tins are complete and remain in place inside the box.

The japanned black roller buckles that secure the shoulder strap to the bottom of the box have torn loose and were poorly reattached. Backside of box has all belt and strap loops present.

Leather shoulder sling is intact and complete. Narrow strap ends that buckle to bottom of box have several weak spots. Remainder of strap is strong with surface cracking. Shoulder sling also exhibits a nice, regulation 1826 pattern, circular brass eagle breastplate. Plate is held in place with modern safety pins.

This complete, well-used, M1861 cartridge box with its leather sling and plates is a good displayable example of Civil War infantry equipment.  [jet] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!