Box is for carrying the .58 caliber rifle musket cartridge. Outer flap is in good condition. The leather is clean and smooth with an oval “US” plate attached by a leather thong. The face of the plate is clean with a good “US” stamping with a terrific dark patina. Just under the plate is a hole that looks very much like an Austrian bayonet was pushed through. The latch tab that was attached by a single row of stitching is missing which may have something to do with the bayonet hole.

Inner flap has both ears loosely attached and the leather surface is in smooth and very fine condition. Stamped “E. METZGER / PHILA”. The tins are present inside the box with separators having been removed. Implement pocket is complete and also in fine condition.

Bottom of the box has both roller buckles and a round brass finial. Reverse has both the sling and belt loops with the belt loops being riveted and sewn.

The wear and “pull” of the leather shoulder sling in the buckles and belt loops shows that these two pieces have been together since issued. Sling remains supple. The round Eagle breast plate has matching patina and show heavy wear to raised points. In spots the brass skin is worn down to the lead backing. This plate is attached with slivers of wood. The sling shows several small cuts where the breast plate could have been mounted at various times.

This is a very fine and complete example of a Civil War infantry cartridge box…with a bayonet hole. [jet][ph:L]

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