People that are unfamiliar with mid-nineteenth century military weaponry generally have the impression that soldiers carried a powder horn or some variation of one. In reality, soldiers were issued cartridges consisting of a paper tube, filled with a powder charge and ball. These paper cartridges were issued in paper packs of ten. Because they were made of paper, the cartridges were very fragile and even a slight wetting would ruin them; therefore, it was necessary that they be carried in a leather box which served to keep the cartridges dry. The box also served to keep out sparks during the heat of battle. Should a spark enter the box, the resulting explosion would severely injure or kill its owner. Basically, each soldier had a bomb strapped to his waist and only this box to keep it from igniting.

This cartridge box was used as a musket box (carried on a sling) rather than as a rifleman’s box (carried on the belt). The Confederate made box is hard used, but not repaired or altered in any way. It is just as the Confederate infantryman used it. The finial is brass of Confederate manufacture. Except for the broken latch tab, it is perfect. The web belt is strong; you will note that it has been pulled down tight on one side to shorten the sling, not because is missing the leather ranger, which you can see pulled up and tucked behind the other. The inner pouch is near pristine.

You will notice that this edges of the cover flap are curled up. An inexperience person saw it when I purchased it and suggested I could get them to lay down flat. Blasphemy! This is how they naturally shaped themselves when they were hard used in combat.

The box’s leather is strong, supple, all stitching is tight and original. Even though it shows very extensive use, it is in exceptionally good condition. The original canvas sling is in excellent, strong condition as are its rangers. The original tins are intact.