This is a Pattern 1864 US cartridge box used by the Union army during the Civil War. The box is a good example of an 1864 issue box. The closure tab and roller buckles are sewn and riveted to the box, along with the belt loops. This box has no sling. The front shows some moderate crazing. All stitching is still very strong and tight. The box was manufactured by the Watertown Arsenal of Massachusetts. The inner flap for the cartridge box tins is stamped WATERTOWN/ARSENAL/1864/US. The embossed US on the outer flap is very crisp and legible. The roller buckles are for the shoulder sling are both present, but only one is securely attached to the bottom of the cartridge box. The other roller buckle is inside one of the cartridge tins. Both belt loops are still present and are securely attached to the box. The inner flap for the implement pouch, the brass finial and both cartridge box tins are still present and in strong condition. The latch tab for the outer flap is missing in action. A pretty nice example of a Union issued cartridge box used during the Civil War.

Item # AA2748

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