This regulation CW infantry bridle leather cartridge box sling remains pliable, in excellent condition, full length and with full black finish oxidizing with a slight brown tone, showing no flaking or even crazing, just minute wrinkling and some minor edge scuffs. The sling measures 65 inches overall including the narrow billets at either end, intended to buckle in place on the underside of the cartridge box after passing through two horizontal loops on the back of the box and crossing to engage the small roller buckles. The belt itself is about 2 3/16 inches wide which, allowing for minor shrinkage, is right on the money for the 2.25 inches specified up to July 1864 after which the slings for a new pattern box, omitting the box and belt plate, were officially reduced to 2 inches. The belt maintains the same width for 55 inches, the regulation length, then narrows using a semi-circular cut on either side about 5 inches from the tip to form a billet pierced with four holes. (The specifications for the billet measure it as 4.25 inches- about the length from where the sides straighten to the rounded tip.) Specifications for the cartridge box sling remained essentially unchanged from 1839 through 1865, differing in minor points like material (buff, waxed, or bridle leather,) color (shifting from white to black in 1851,) and only minor changes in dimension like the July 1864 reduction to 2 inches and elimination of the sling plate.

The regulation 1826 pattern round eagle breast plate is stil with this and has a nice medium patina, showing excellent detail and no dings or nicks around the edge. The full lead solder fill and iron wire loops are in place on the back. The belt was pierced with three narrow slots to allow for use of the standard size eagle plate, which this is, or the slightly smaller “Burnside” pattern. The iron wire loops thus pass through the two slots furthest apart. A small impression the exterior shows this plate has been on it a long time. The leather tabs or thongs originally securing it are gone, but could be replaced to keep it in place though it fits the slots snugly.

For details on regulation Civil War boxes and slings we can’t recommend Paul Johnson’s book on cartridge boxes enough. This one could go back on a box in matching condition though care should be taken, as with any antique leather, to not bend the belt or billets at too sharp an angle to avoid breakage and it would display just as well beside a box or among other slings to illustrate the variations. This is a nice one.  [sr] [ph:L]

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