US 1820s-1830s MILITIA LIGHT INFANTRY CARTRIDGE BOX

$550.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1202-488

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This is a strong example of a US militia cartridge box dating roughly to the 1820s or 1830s, though it could go a tad earlier or later. It is constructed of brown leather, with a wood block bored to take 24 cartridges tacked in place. It is designed to be carried on a waist belt, mounting two narrow vertical belt loops on the reverse and has no provision for a shoulder belt. It has a single flap, cut long, to hang well below the bottom of the box, giving the impression of a bigger box from the exterior, a stylish touch probably meant to evoke much earlier colonial boxes. The flap fastens with a flat iron J-hook that latches into a flat, open  triangle mounted on the lower front and underside of the box at center. There is no inner flap to protect the cartridges, but the side panels have tall, rounded tops that would seal the box somewhat and keep the flap off the cartridges.

The flap is decorated with an impressed shallow border line along the sides and bottom, with a row of impressed, lined, triangle marks, points toward the edge, alternating with eight-petal flowers (or starbursts) running just above it. The flower petal motifs are also impressed around the middle of the box, in the center of which is mounted a raised, brass, five-pointed star bearing a few light traces of a gilt finish. The decoration indicates the militia company was likely uniformed and the star, a holdover emblem used by some light infantry as far back as the Revolution, likely indicates they drilled as light infantry, traditionally elite troops, operating in open order in advance or on the flanks of the line infantry. This would fit with the box being fitted only for wear on a waistbelt, since light troops were both uniformed and equipped for fast movement, unencumbered by unnecessary cartridge box belts, etc.

The box has a few scuffs and scratches, but is solid, with good finish, tight seams and block in place for 24 rounds, the specified minimum for militia troops, with the belt loops and cover insignia firmly in place.  [sr] [ph:L]

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