This is a very good example of the regulation cap box carried by literally every soldier with a percussion arm. This is the standard configuration using a one-piece outer flap with integral latch tab, short inner flap with sewn side ears to keep the cap from being jostled out if the soldier forgot to latch it, a brass finial to do so on the bottom, and two narrow belt loops, sewn and rivetted on the reverse for wear on the waist belt.

The finish on the body of the box is very good. The belt loops show some flaking from flexing in wear and actual use. About a dozen or more percussion caps remain inside the box, with some dirt and powder residue. Caps were contained in a paper “twist” of twelve included in packs of ten cartridges, and were placed in the cap box when packs were opened and the cartridges placed in the upper trays of the magazine tins in the cartridge box for ready use. Some of the caps show verdigris from long storage, as does the latch tab finial and rivets on the belt loops. The fleece strip sewn inside the box to retain the caps is gone, typical of most boxes that have seen use.

The inner flap shows some flexing and rubbing, but has a clear, “S.H. YOUNG / & CO. / NEWARK / N.J.” stamp with the upper line light, but visible on the right. The outer flap has a crisp U.S inspector’s stamp in an oval: “R. WHITE / U.S. / ORD. DEPT. / SUB INSPECTOR.” This form of marking was typical of sub-inspectors working under Capt. Julian McAlister after July 1864, and corresponds with Young’s 1864 military contracts, making this a nice example of an accoutrement box used in final, decisive phases of the war, likely brought home by a soldier, who might choose to purchase his rifle and gear on discharge when the war ended.    [sr][ph:L]

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