These two items were found in a covered shelf in an attic of a house belonging to the Lull family of Morris, Otsego County, New York.

The box is in nice used condition. The leather of the outer flap is in nice shape and exhibits light surface dirt throughout from storage. The Pattern 1839 oval “US” plate is still present with a heavy patina and oxidation on its face but it matches perfectly the rest of the box exterior with surface dirt and grime. Latch tab is held by a single straight line of stitching, is a bit dry but is complete and is marked with the initials “LM.”

The interior flap is also in nice shape despite two small areas of insect tracking. Both ears are present and there is a strong maker’s mark of “WILKINSON & CUMMINGS, SPRINGFIELD MASS.” Interior has both tins but one of them is missing a divider. Implement pocket is very good. Interior leather is good but dirty.

The bottom of the box has both roller buckles and rounded brass finial. Reverse has both belt and sling loops in nice condition.

A previous owner has done research to try to track down the “LM” on the box. As stated above, the house belonged to the Lull family and research does show a Nathan A. Lull of Morris, New York who served in Company C, of the 152^nd New York Infantry from August of 1862 till discharged for disability on May 16, 1864. However, no direct connection could be made between the last owner of the house, Hobart C. Lull, and this soldier. Chances are they were cousins. Although the soldier’s last name of “Lull” matches the name of the family who owned the house the box was found in, it does not match the carved initials on the box which are “LM.”

Further research shows that a soldier named Lewis Murry from Butternuts, New York, which is located seven miles from Morris where the box was found, also served in the 152^nd New York but he was in Company G from September of 1862 till January 1865 when he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. It is possible he is the “LM” on the box. How it would have ended up in the Lull’s house is anyone’s guess but it is not out of the realm of possibility since both men served in the 152^nd and lived only seven miles apart.

Lastly, the maker of the box, Wilkinson & Cummings, only had contracts for accoutrements from August of 1862 to April of 1863 and the 152^nd New York was organized in September of 1862 showing they had a good chance of receiving boxes from this maker.

With the box are copies of research done as well as photographs of the house the box came from and photos of the box in the house showing exactly where it was found.

Also with the box is a US World War One mess kit complete with its lid. Folding handle is marked “US” and the letters “POW” are scratched into the top of the lid. Whether these are initials or prisoner of war marking is not known. Kit shows light to moderate dirt and surface rust.  [ad] [ph:L]

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