C.S. Cartridge Box Plate Use

[Col. Mosby]

Would someone out there be so kind as to tell me when CS box plates started showing up on cartridge boxes during the war? Did they show up early, late and what areas of operation would they be appropriate for, etc?
Thanks.
Larry

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

They were used with much less frequency than the Union during the entire war, but the early stages show more use than that of any other time of the war. The original purpose for box plates were, aside from being decorative, to add weight to the flap of the box to keep it closed, thereby protecting the cartridges. At the beginning of the war, several states, including but not limited to, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia had organized militias, many of whom had there own distinctive box plates. Relic hunters find them with more frequency in the early war camps and battlefields as opposed to the later ones. As with much of Confederate material culture, supply was "hit or miss" in several areas and time frames, and using lead-filled brass plates was an expenditure that neither the CS government or most states failed to see as necessary. The CS volume of "Echoes of Glory" shows several CS variant box plates, most of which are state militia in nature. I would also advise you as you research to visit relic sites and forum, as they are often valuable in determining the wheres and whens of a particular find.

[Col. Mosby]

Mr. Lamoreaux,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.
Larry

[FloridaHoosier]

I'm sure a couple of other folks on here with even more experience with original accoutrements will pipe in here, but you've got a good place to start your own research on the matter until then.

[Craig L Barry]

We thought that all you'uns just turned the US upside down.

[indguard]

Naw, it's easier to turn the whole cartridge box upside down then tryin' ta figger out how to unattach the plate!

WTH
The DownUnder Mess