This fine, maker-marked, Civil War Federal accoutrement is an original, late-war pattern leather cartridge box in excellent condition.  Often referred to as a pattern of July 1864, Type 2, this cartridge box features the letters “US” stamped within a border or embossed upon the outer flap in the same size and style as the brass plate it replaced from earlier models. All stitching is strong and box retains its end pieces or “ears” sewn to the inner flap as with Type 2 boxes.  Exterior of this cartridge box features a pleasing surface of black bridle leather in very strong condition.  Very light surface crazing is evident on the outer flap and on the inner flap.  Lower center area of the inner flap retains the partial edge of an oval government Ordnance Dept sub-inspector’s stamp. Stamp reads “_______ / ____ / ________/ ___ INSPECTOR.” The leather latch tab is strong and intact and fits tightly onto its brass pear-shaped finial at the bottom of the cartridge box.

Both original black-japanned roller buckles are tightly sewn and riveted to the box bottom and are in excellent condition.  Backside of box has the two leather belt loops that are stitched and riveted, along with the sling billets, all in excellent condition. No eagle breast plate ever came with this rig.  Both black japanned buckles and clasps are strong and tight.   Interior of box is excellent with strong inner flap, complete and supple tool pouch and tab.  Centered on the inner flap is a partial maker’s stamp of “E. METZGER / PHILADELPHIA / PA”. Pouch shows light cracking at the hinge edge.   No flaking.  Original to the box are its two metal tins, each dull and dusky.  Each tin has one lower division open to the front and able to contain one bundle of ten paper cartridges and two upper divisions, one that holds six cartridges and the other four cartridges.  Edges of each tin are turned over and soldered down to prevent accidental tearing open of the paper cartridges.

This Federal leather cartridge box is a very well preserved, maker-marked, Civil War accoutrement of the late-war pattern of 1864.