Original Item: Only One Available. A very nice Model 1861 Civil War leather cartridge box. It features a clean “US” plate on the outer flap and is still secured with the original leather tabs! Also uncommon to find with these cartridge boxes are the original sling, which this one has.

The cartridge box is "Pattern 1861", Type II, The "US" plate is on the flap, Type II means there are two internal flaps. The July 1864 boxes discontinued use of the earlier ornamental brass box plate, replacing it with an oval "US" embossed on the flap. Type II patterns have an inside flap covering the implements, plus a second flap covering the tin compartment (tins not present), this flap having been reinstated with Type II following elimination in the Type I design. This was one of the last cartridge boxes for the rifled musket, weapon development was moving to breech loaders of smaller caliber. The belt straps are centered, sewn and riveted on. The latch tab (hole slightly torn) is sewn and riveted and has a brass pear shaped finial. Two roller buckles are sewn and riveted onto the bottom. Every component is original to the cartridge box. The outer black finish has some cracking which is expected for finished leather this old and the rivets do have some minor verdigris around them as well as the other brass fixtures.

There is no extensive damage to this cartridge box but the sling does have a tear in the leather with both pieces tucked together into the loop on the back. Civil War equipment, especially in this condition with the original sling is becoming harder to find.

Comes ready to display in your Civil War collections!