Original U.S. American Revolution / War of 1812 Era American Cartridge Box with Wooden Insert

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a stunning example of an early American- made Militia leather belly box, dating to the Revolutionary War / War of 1812 period. The front leather flap of the belly box originally had a small piece that connected to a small metal latch on the bottom, but the latch and strap have since worn away.

The box is of nailed construction with stitching along the edges. The top flap of the belly box is in worn condition but is well-preserved considering the period it’s from. The flap is still in good condition overall without any tearing, with much of its finish still retained on the front. Both original belt loops are retained on the reverse, a rare find! The wooden insert has 24 slots to hold musket paper cartridges, three rows of 8. The sides have great creased “Star” patterns. The back of the box originally had two belt loops, one is gone and the other is now broken off at the top. Some of the stitching along the back of the flap is worn away.

The stitching on the box is still tight where it is complete. Overall this is still a very nice historical piece of equipment from the infancy years of the United States and it will display very nicely in your early Militia collections! This will only appreciate in value over the years, as leather from this period almost never survives.