This cartridge box is in nice condition with belt loops, interior block, and decorative gilt bass rosette device in place on the flap, and is untouched. Best of all, the flap, front, sides and even bottom of the box were embossed with squares, crosses, and dotted rectangles and diamonds, indicating the wearer was in one of the better equipped and likely more nicely uniformed companies of volunteer militia.

The box has a wood block bored out for 24 paper-wrapped cartridges, the standard load under the 1792 Militia Act, which specified the minimum equipment and arms of all the militia. The box itself is black leather, showing some minor scuffs and a few small flakes, but generally a very good, untouched finish. The box was intended to be worn on the waist and the two belt loops are in place and secure, as is the latch tab, sewn to inside center of the flap. The front of the body is fitted with a gusset flap that would give access to a lower compartment for extra rounds, flints, or tool. This is fairly stiff from age and we have not tried to look inside.

The decoration is extensive. The sides, front edges, and even the bottom of the box has impressed squares and diamonds of 25 square dots (arranged 5 by 5.) On the bottom and lower section of each side these form a large X. On the semicircular upper portions of the sides, they are arranged as two diamonds, on atop the other with a square in line with the lower diamond on each side. On the front of the body the impressed designs flank and even cross the compartment flap. On the outer flap dotted lines form large squares, four rows of three, extending over the top curve of the flap, with diagonal lines through them forming Xs, but with the added touch of one of those 25-dot squares at the lower corners.

This is an interesting early 19^th century American cartridge box showing some higher-end leather working skill and intended for wear in a company of the “elegant elite,” who were as anxious to show off their splendid uniforms and gear as their ability at drill and on parade.  [AD] [ph:m]

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