This Mann’s Patent leather accoutrement is an original pistol cartridge box with its unusual carry strap but without its unique finger-pull metal tin. The box, a different style ammunition holder, also has a small brass oval “NJ” plate secured to the outer flap. The Mann pistol box was a leather accoutrement carried by many Federal soldiers during the last part of the Civil War.  Referred to as the Mann’s Patent box, it was introduced in December 1863 by Colonel W. D. Mann of Detroit, MI, and was designed and improved to replace earlier cavalry accoutrements.

This accoutrement retains its leather straps or slings that enabled the box to be worn on the upper front of the trooper. Leather is good to very good condition, strong and smooth, with just minor surface crazing and scuffing. Does have a few small spots of flaking. Leather on bottom and sides is excellent.  In place of the oval US brass box plate on the outer flap is a small, double-bordered brass oval with letter “N J” stamped on it. Surrounding the plate is an embossed, bordered oval ring with the following stamping within the border, “COLONEL MANN’S PATENT REISSUED JUNE 7^TH 1864 CARTRIDGE BOX E. GAYLORD MAKER CHICOPEE, MASS.” Lettering good.

Box outer flap has the original leather closure tab, stitched, riveted and complete and fits tightly onto the original pear-shaped brass finial at the bottom of the cartridge box.  Outer flap retains both end-pieces, a.k.a. “ears”, stitched in place.   Leather tool pouch is complete.  Box has a 1 1/8” wide, tapered leather strap stitched and riveted to the box backside. All black leather is in good supple condition with moderate cracking and flaking overall. Outer flap wears a government inspectors stamp at the lower right hand corner that reads “L. G. Laidley / U. S. / Ord Dept / Sub Inspector”. Missing the metal cartridge tin. This maker-marked Mann accoutrement is seldom seen in the Civil War collecting field.