December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This is cartridge box comes with its block in place, on wide waist belt that is full length, and has the remnants to 2 narrow shoulder straps. The box may be an earlier shoulder box altered for wear on a waistbelt. The bottom of the box shows 2 areas of stitching near the front edge that may have secured buckles. The upper rear seam tore and a collector inserted a strip of leather inside to keep flap and body together, so there is no indication of shoulder sling. As set up, it was worn on the waistbelt as a belly box. The waist belt has a partial narrow strap and shows the base of another that seem to have run up on either side of the box, which would be worn in front, to form a sling running around the back of the neck. This method of wear is shown on some troops circa 1795. The belt is black leather, about 2 - 1/8" wide, and splits into 2 narrower billets with buckles and tabs at either end that would buckle on the wearer's right, about 5" from the edge of the box. The box is bored for 26 cartridges and has a flap in front to access a lower tray, that is not present. Both are elements of the US Model 1808 box, but in this case the flap is rounded and extends below the block. A latch tab is sewn midway down the inside of the flap. Stitching shows were a fastening button was once in place on the bottom. The holes are also about .80" in diameter, indicating militia use of older .75 caliber muskets. We would suggest a date of 1795 to 1810. CONDITION: Good. The box is solid but repaired along the seam of flap and body, and it is possible the gussets of the access flap were replaced. The finish is generally good. The only decoration is a narrow impressed border line on the flap and central vertical line. The waist belt has lost much of its finish and is soft, but full length. The buckles show old restitching. This is an interesting cartridge box rig, more functional than elegant and from a period when the enrolled militia might still get called up for active service.
Item Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6"