| Original M1857 cartridge box |
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The small pouch on the front of the cartridge box was use to
hold the cleaning tools such as a wrench and a worm |
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Note the tight stitching use on the cartridge box, which is
characteristic of all original accoutrements |
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Detail showing leather strip used to attach the brass plate
to the front of the box |
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Another view of the same. Barely visible
is what appears to be the soldiers' name on the inside of the outer flap |
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One of two ammo tins. The tins were designed to hold
ten loose rounds in the upper section and a pack of ten rounds in the lower
section. Altogether, the cartridge box carried 40 rounds. |
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The round finial used on early war cartridge boxes (left). The shape of the finial changed to a
spade shape on late war models. (right) |
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The distinguishing difference between the M1857 and the
M1861 model is the use of rivets to reinforce the attachment of the belt
straps. The earlier M1857 box, as pictured here, did not use rivets.
Also note that the cartridge box was designed so that it could be worn
either with a shoulder belt, as pictured below, or on the waist belt as
pictured here. |
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From the collection of
The Union Drummer Boy
Photo by Bob Clayton |
| Item pictured below is a Pattern 1861 Cartridge box
(click to enlarge) |
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Cartridge box with shoulder strap |
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Note the placement of the brass plate in the center of the
box (left) The brass plates where replace with an embossed "US" on the
M1864 boxes (right) |
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The brass plate on most boxes was held in place
with one long leather tab, but on this box two small leather tabs where
used. |
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Front showing the tool pouch |
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Manufactures stamp and date of manufacture (1863) |
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Cartridge tins inside box |
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Attachment of the shoulder strap. Also note the rivets
used to reinforce the attachment of the belt straps to the box, which is
characteristic of the style M1861 boxes |
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The holes on the shoulder strap indicate where the round
brass eagle plate once was. |
