CIVIL WAR .58 CALIBER CARTRIDGE BOX
An excellent, original 1861 pattern .58 caliber Federal cartridge box--a complete and remarkable Civil War leather accoutrement. This type of cartridge carrier accommodated forty rounds of .58 caliber mini ball paper cartridges. The leather of this box specimen is in very good condition overall. Leather is strong with scattered areas that exhibit minor surface crazing. Centered on the outer flap exterior is a very fine, original, brass oval, Model 1839 cartridge box plate with the letters "US" embossed upon its face. This device has two iron loops that protrude through the back of the outer flap and is secured with a narrow piece of leather. The brass plate has accumulated a pleasing, mellow bronze patina overall. The original purpose of the plate was ornamental but its weight helped to keep the outer flap down, protecting the cartridges from the elements.
A single horizontal line of stitching tightly secures the original closer latch tab to the bottom underside of the outer flap just under the brass plate. Outer flap interior is very clean and still exhibits the original beige/tan coloring prior to the leather being dyed. Box body is in wonderfully strong condition with no weak areas and all stitching on the box is tight, not frayed or worn. The inner flap is strong and free of any blemishes and retains its small leather end flaps, aka "ears," tightly sewn to each to protect the paper cartridges from the elements. A fine condition implement pouch of thin leather is sewn to the front of the box. Stitching is excellent. Leather pouch flap, closure strap and loop are intact and in excellent condition. At the bottom of the box are two, original condition, japanned black metal roller buckles that secure the billets of the shoulder sling (sling is missing). Buckles are strongly stitched in place. [Note: On one side leather ring holding buckle is missing.] A brass, ball-shaped finial is tightly affixed to the bottom and serves to secure the outer flap's closure tab. On the reverse of the box are two horizontal leather loops through which the shoulder sling passes.
Original to the box are its two metal tins that have acquired a dark, dusky gray color. Each tin has one lower division open to the front and able to contain one bundle of ten paper cartridges and two upper divisions, one that holds six cartridges and the other four cartridges. Edges of each tin are turned over and soldered down to prevent accidental tearing open of the paper cartridges.
Overall measurement: 8 1/2 inches wide; 7 inches high; and 2 1/4 inches deep. No maker's marks are visible on any flaps.
PRICE: $950
