RARE BRITISH REVOLUTIONARY WAR 26 HOLE CARTRIDGE BOX WITH STRAP, DISPLAYED AT THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2026

This cartridge box was previously owned by Museum of the American Revolution curator Philip Mead. The box was on display there in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for over a decade until fairly recently. Included are several photographs of this box on display at the museum as their example of a British Revolutionary War cartridge box. British infantry cartridge pouch with wood block bored for 26 (9-8-9) .75 cartridges (actual interior diameter about .75) and tinned iron tray beneath. Black leather with rough side out flap with rounded lower corners. Latch tab is white buff leather, blind-stitched to the inside of the flap. Leather latch button in place on bottom of box. Horizontal strip on reverse sewn in place to provide loops to retain a shoulder sling. The original iron rectangular sling buckles are stitched to bottom of box. The thin white buff leather tab at center of retaining strap for securing the box to a coat skirt button to keep it in position. Complete with a buff letter strap inscribed "Lew" on the back of one side. Trapezoidal flap/pocket on front of box body. CONDITION: Excellent. Minor scuffs and rubs. No leather missing and no broken stitching. Original wood block. One very small hole on back left side just above bottom stitching. Buff leather strap is excellent. A rare survivor with parallels known in construction technique, blind stitching, number of holes, use of buff leather tabs, leather button, etc. Versions of this box with 29 holes became the basis for the Continental Army "new construction" cartridge boxes after 1777. A very rare and important museum-displayed cartridge box in extraordinary condition. PROVENANCE: Ex. James Kochan Collection, ex. Philip Mead Collection.

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