This issue cartridge box is in excellent condition and extremely rare in carrying a block bored for 30-rounds of .44 caliber cartridges, precisely two magazine loadings of the Henry rifle. The box follows the general lines of the later war cavalry carbine cartridge boxes, omitting the superfluous buckles and retaining strap for a shoulder sling, keeping just the vertical loops on the back for wear on a waist belt (though it could be slid on a carbine sling also.) The loops are sewn and rivetted. The latch tab is in place and secured with a rivet and semicircle of stitching. The tool pouch with separate flap and tab is in place on the lower front of the box. The inner flap with side ears is present. All seams are tight. The finish is excellent, oxidizing to a pleasing deep brown in tone with just a couple small rub mark on the lower edge on the back and some crazing to the finish from flexing to the side ears. The lower edge of the inner flap is clearly marked “E. GAYLORD / CHICOPEE / MASS.” perhaps the best-known Civil War supplier of accoutrements. The outer flap is boldly stamped with the inspection mark of US Ordnance Sub-Inspector A. D. Laidley.

Of the 10,000 or so Henrys produced during the war, only 1,731 were purchased by the US government. The vast majority were privately purchased, with the government only grudgingly supplying the ammunition, so it is no surprise that the development of appropriate cartridge boxes was slow, followed the lines of boxes already in service and showed the mid to late war use of reinforcing rivets on the stitching of the belt loops and latch tab, and lack of provision for shoulder sling on a cavalry style box.

This box looks great and would add to a Henry display or even a specialized collection of cartridge boxes. It would be tough to beat for both rarity or condition. Not only that- it still contains 24 cartridges!  [sr] [ph:m]

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