This infantry cartridge box for the .58 caliber rifle musket follows the pattern of March 1864 and carries a New York oval SNY cartridge box plate. The pattern improved on the 1861 pattern by introducing a rivet to reinforce the stitched latch tab, otherwise the configuration was the same, set up for wear on a shoulder belt or waist belt, fitted with inner flap with side ears, rivets securing the belt loops and buckle chapes, implement pocket with flap and tab, and two magazine tins to hold 20 rounds each.

The box is in very good condition with very little crazing to the finish, remaining supple, with good color and little finish loss. The latch tab is unbroke. Both tins are present. All other buckles, loops, and tabs are in place and secure, as is the inner flap with side ears, and the implement pocket with flap and latch tab.

The inner flap is boldly stamped: “Baker / N – Y / & McKenney”. Founded in January 1864 by Laura Baker, widow of military goods dealer John A. Baker, and former employee James McKenney, the firm obtained a U.S. contract for 10,000 cartridge boxes of this pattern in May 1864 with others going to the state and private purchasers.

The SNY (State of New York) plate on the outer flap has been slightly over cleaned showing fine scratches on the raised letters. Attached via the two wire loops on the back and tied down with a leather tie.

These March of 1864 boxes were made in time for some of the climactic campaigns and battles of the war and although theoretically replaced by the July 1864 pattern with an embossed flap remained in use to the end of the war and for some time thereafter.  [jet]  [ph:L]

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