Awesome Identified Civil War Cartridge Box / SOLD

Description

Awesome Identified Civil War Cartridge Box 

This is a superb and complete Civil War infantry cartridge box manufactured by J.B. Thaxter of Portland, Maine—one of the well-documented New England contractors who supplied accoutrements to Federal forces during the war. Thaxter operated out of Portland and is known to have produced regulation .58 caliber cartridge boxes and related leather goods under government contract. Maine makers such as Thaxter played an important role in equipping early-war volunteer regiments, particularly those raised in the Northeast. 

The box remains in remarkably complete condition, retaining both of its exterior plates: the oval “US” cartridge box plate affixed to the outer flap and the eagle breast plate still mounted to the front of the shoulder sling. The survival of both plates together is increasingly uncommon, as these were often removed as souvenirs over the decades. The leather body displays a rich, untouched patina consistent with honest field use and age, with no modern alterations. 

Importantly, the cartridge box retains its internal tin inserts, which were designed to hold two bundles of .58 caliber paper cartridges and protect them from moisture. The implement pouch remains intact beneath the outer flap, and the closure tab is complete and strong. On the bottom of the box, both original roller buckles are present, used to secure the box to the waist belt via the sling. These components are commonly broken or lost, and their survival here further underscores the box’s completeness. 

Interior flap bears an awesome period inscription identifying it to “Sergt. J. Samuel, Company K, 4th H.A. Mass. V.M. – August 13th, 1864”. 

Joseph Samuel was born in London, England, in 1836 and immigrated to the United States prior to the Civil War, settling in Chelsea, Massachusetts, where he worked as a 25-year-old salesman when the conflict erupted. Answering the first call of duty, he enlisted on October 31, 1861, and that same day mustered into Company C of the 32nd Massachusetts Infantry. 

The 32nd Massachusetts served with the Army of the Potomac and saw hard campaigning in some of the war’s most punishing battles. During Samuel’s service the regiment participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the siege operations before Yorktown and the bloody fighting at Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill. The regiment later endured the slaughter at Fredericksburg in December 1862, where Union assaults against Marye’s Heights resulted in devastating losses. Samuel was discharged on January 4, 1863, after more than a year of arduous field service. 

Demonstrating continued commitment to the Union cause, he reentered the service on May 4, 1864, mustering into the 7th Company, Massachusetts Unattached Infantry. This organization performed short-term defensive and garrison duties during a critical period of the war. Mustered out on August 5, 1864, Samuel again returned to civilian life—but only briefly. 

On August 18, 1864, he enlisted for a third time, joining Company K of the 4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Promoted to Sergeant upon entering this regiment, Samuel served in the defenses of Washington, D.C., during the war’s final year, helping guard the capital as Grant’s armies tightened their grip on Richmond and Petersburg. He was mustered out on June 17, 1865, at Washington, D.C., having served the Union in three separate enlistments. 

After the war, Samuel returned to Chelsea, where he became an active member of Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 35, the Theodore Winthrop Post, maintaining fellowship with fellow veterans. He remained in Chelsea for the rest of his life and died on September 1, 1914, leaving behind the record of an immigrant soldier who answered the call to arms repeatedly in defense of his adopted country. 

Inventory Number: LEA 496