A ball bag is a cartridge box that holds fewer rounds then those typically issued but is less intrusive. They were made without tin liners or a wooden block. Suspended from the soldier's belt with one or two worn typically in front, but a rear position was also viable. They were popular with riflemen, light infantry and skirmishers or sharpshooters. All known were imported and all examples are Confederate. The shortage of domestic manufactured accouterments forced the Confederacy to turn to Britain as a source. One of the most prolific and dependable firms was S. Isaac, Campbell & Company of London. The Confederate Government in Richmond were delighted by this company's involvement in the Confederate war effort so much so that the secretary of war on March 1862 wrote thanking them "For the kind and generous confidence you have shown in us when other foreign countries seem to be doubtful, timorous and wavering ".

This black leather 5 1/2 inch by 7-inch ball bag is clearly and deeply stamped on the inside front flap, "S. ISAAC CAMPBELL & Co" over "71 JERMYN St" over "LONDON". The front flap has a leather tab which closes over a brass finial. The interior has a flap covered leather pocket which was designed to hold percussion caps. To the left of this is a leather loop which held an oiler this is about 2 inches deep and 1 inch in diameter.  The ball bag retains its rear belt loop which has a brass finial for closure. Scratched in 1-inch letters on the top of the front flap is, " E. W. M. CO -". This is the Confederate user's initials and if the company can be made out identification should be easy. The condition of this ball bag is excellent, and all stitching is tight. Displayed proudly for years at the Texas Civil War Museum.   [pe] [ph:L]