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MASSACHUSETTS IMPORTED BRITISH “BALL BAG”

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This is a scarce Civil War cartridge pouch that was used by the State of Massachusetts during the Civil War and occasionally seen in images of Massachusetts Infantrymen.

This pouch is of English manufacture and design. It is an early pattern “Ball Bag” (often referred to as an Expense Pouch, which is, however a post 1866 British term). Its original purpose was to carry 10 cartridges for immediate use. The larger cartridge box was for carrying wrapped packages of cartridges. In the early years of the Civil War, the State of Massachusetts was successful in purchasing many thousand sets of English arms and accoutrements for their state troops.

The Massachusetts Infantry Ball-Bag offered here is in good condition. The pouch has a shield shaped front flap that is approximately 6” wide. This outer flap shows wrinkling and curling to the lower corners which is a typical sign of field use. The closure tab is 4” in length and has two holes punched in it, allowing the use to adjust the tightness of the closure depending on how full the pouch was. This tab is sewn to the underside of the outer flap and is complete and unbroken. A percussion cap pocket inside the pouch is 3” wide by 2 ½” tall and has a closure tab that passes through a small strip of leather on the front.  This inner percussion cap pouch remains complete but has become detached from the points where it was sewn and is now loose. A few caps remain inside. The Ball-bag has two belt loops sewn on the rear, both are approximately ¾” wide. A single brass finial is located on the rear of the pouch for the front closure tab to attach to. There are no maker’s marks.

The pouch is good condition. The thin bridle leather remains in relatively supple condition. Most stitching remains tight and intact with the exception of the inner pocket and about 3” on one side of the larger “bag”.

For any collector of English accoutrements or Massachusetts infantry items, this is simply a “must have”.  [jet] [ph:L]

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