This leather box is for carrying an infantryman’s supply of .58 caliber rifle musket cartridges. The large outer flap remains soft and flexible with good finish overall; there is one small “burn” but does not affect the look of the piece. 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. The latch tab that is attached by a single row of stitching is present and unbroken. There are initials cut into the underside of the flap.

Inner flap is unmarked and has both ears strongly attached and the leather surface is in smooth and fine condition.  The tins are present inside the box; one partition in one tin 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 sides of the box are clearly stamped “C.S. STORMS / MAKER N.Y.”

The shoulder sling remains flexible with some crazing of the finish, and is in overall fine condition. The round Eagle breast plate has a bright tone matching the box plate. This plate is “in place” with loops through the strap but has either lost its leather thong or has been added. There is no stretch or pull evident on the lower ends of the sling at the roller buckles, so likely these two original pieces were put together for display at the museum.

This is a very fine and complete example of a Civil War infantry cartridge box. From the Texas Civil War Museum collection. [jet] [ph:L]