This is good example of the last of the .69 caliber U.S. cartridge boxes, a long line that extended all the way back to the American Revolution. This is the July 1864 Type II in Johnson’s typology, made for rifled muskets firing the .69 caliber Minie ball. This one was made and marked by Reuben Nece of Philadelphia, who had a contract for 5,000, and also bears the U.S. inspector’s stamp of F.A. Sniffen. These follow the same lines as the .58 caliber boxes of the pattern with the embossed US on the cover, but are necessarily larger.

This has excellent black finish with few rubs and very clear markings on the inner flap. The latch tab to the outer flap, side ears, belt loops and buckles are all in place and secure. The latch tab shows some natural crackling from flexing and fastening. The flap and body of the implement pouch show some crackling also, which is common since the leather is thinner. The latch tab to the implement pouch is complete and present, but the thread securing it to the flap gave way and it should be restitched- a pretty simple repair and the condition of the box certainly merits it. Both magazine tins are present inside and still have the dividers in their upper trays.

This is a really crisp example of the regulation box and would look great with one of the rifled muskets that the army was bringing out of storage help arm the 500,000 troops called for in General Orders No. 232 of July 1864. It is especially nice having a crisp U.S. inspection stamp as well as the maker’s stamp.    [sr] [ph:L]

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