This regulation CW infantry cartridge box sling in excellent condition and marked on one end with the maker’s stamp of Emanuel Metzger of Philadelphia and the oval US Ordance Sub-Inspector oval stamp of H.H. Hartzell. The sling is 65 inches overall, each end in the form of billet pierced with four holes for attachment to a cartridge box, with the tip of the belt narrowing for about ½ inch to form the billet about 4 ½ inches long and 7/8 inch wide, thus conforming to the general specifications for the cartridge box sling in effect from 1839 to 1865. The belt itself is 2 inches wide, bridle leather, and not pierced for a belt plate, making it the July 1864 pattern. Metzger supplied 1,000 of the July 1864 pattern sets under the July 4, 1864, advertisement calling for them. Bazelon indicates he had follow up contracts for a total of 18,000 more infantry sets. Hartzell is known to have inspected his work, with this form of his stamp started by Capt. J. McAllister, in charge of an Ordnance Department Inspection Service, appearing on the cartridge boxes as well.

The belt is flexible with nice black color shifting slightly toward brown, and smooth finish showing crazing from age and flexing, with a few rubs, but not a lot of flaking, and does not appear to have ever been treated with polish, dressing or preservatives. The Hartzell stamp is large, clear and sharp. The Metzger stamp is smaller, with his name “E METZGER” in an arch over “PHILA,” with the lettering a little soft but unambiguous.

This could go back on a box in matching condition though care should be taken, as with any antique leather, to not bend it at too sharp an angle to avoid breakage. Given the condition it would make a great display next the appropriate box to show of the markings, etc. This is a nice one.  [sr] [ph:m]

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