Every Confederate soldier that carried a gun had to have a waterproof cap box to store and protect a supply of percussion caps. A firearm without a cap was useless. All over the South, contractors sought to fill this need. Unlike their Union counterparts, which were virtually identical, Confederate cap boxes came in assorted sizes and materials.

The most common Confederate cap pouch is easily distinguishable from its Yankee counterpart by its single wide, leather belt loop and a lead closing finial. The Federal box uses two belt loops and a brass closure finial. The outer flap held the box closed and shed water. The inner flap has leather tabs sewn onto each end so that when closed, the box seals tight enough to keep out flying sparks or water.

The percussion cap box shown here is the classic Confederate manufactured and issued box; save for the lack of inner flap end tabs. Notice the simplicity of the single belt loop design, and the utilization of lead as a closing finial. The leather remains extremely strong and supple and retains a beautiful smooth surface. The stitching is all tight and original. The lead finial is secure and the washer remains in place on the interior. The latch tab is extremely flexible and fully intact, and able to be slipped on and off of the lead closure finial. Even the small leather vent pick holder remains intact.

Confederate cap boxes used to be relatively easy to find, but over the last couple of years they have all but disappeared from the marketplace. This is a near perfect example of the quintessential Confederate cap box. It has a dark exterior color with a russet interior and can be purchased for: $1,650.00

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