Offered here is a British Pattern 1859/60 Cartridge Box of the post-1860 style without the integral cap pocket and tool strap.

The box is constructed on black bridle leather with smooth surfaces on both sides. The large outer flap is unmarked on the outside while on the inside it is strongly stamped “S. ISAAC CAMPBELL & CO . / 71 JERMYN ST. / LONDON”. The original white buff closure strap is in place, with the correct “blind stitch” securing it to the underside of the outer flap. The closure strap is cut at an angle, which is common for these boxes, and may indicate that it was sold as surplus. This “white” closing tab is heavily soiled.

An inner flap has side “ears” sewn in place. The box contains the standard five-section tin and its original iron roller buckles on the bottom of the box, as well as the original brass closure finial.

The box includes a three-piece white buff cartridge box sling that measures approximately 2.5” wide and 52+” in length, not counting the billets which were sewn to the body of the sling separately. Sling has been chalked or painted on the exterior no doubt to make it appear “clean”. The back side exhibits an area of black dye and several numeric stamps. Down near the belt loops on one side is the English “sold out of service” stamp (two English broad arrows stamped nose-to-nose).

This is a cartridge box rarely offered for sale with an excellent maker’s stamp. From the Texas Civil War Museum collection.  [jet][ph:L]