Original Confederate Cartridge Box with Sling

Description

Original Confederate Cartridge Box with Sling

 

Authentic Confederate infantry cartridge box, complete with its original shoulder sling, representing a classic example of Southern wartime leather accoutrements produced under material scarcity and decentralized manufacture.

 

The box is constructed of thick, vegetable-tanned leather, left in its natural darkened state, with a plain outer flap absent any embossing or federal markings—entirely consistent with Confederate production. The leather exhibits strong surface integrity with extensive period wear, cracking, and age patina, all undisturbed and indicative of genuine wartime use rather than postwar assembly.

 

The reverse retains its original crossed sling attachment straps, secured through the body in the typical Confederate manner. The shoulder sling itself is original and uninterrupted, showing heavy service wear and a naturally contoured shape from long use in the field. Notably, the sling is fitted with horseshoe-shaped iron buckles, a well-recognized Confederate hardware form frequently encountered on Southern accoutrements due to limited access to standardized brass fittings. These buckles are hand-forged iron, showing correct oxidation and form, and are a strong diagnostic feature of Confederate manufacture.

 

The box retains its bottom closures and attachment tabs, all period correct, with no evidence of modern stitching, restoration, or replaced components. Stitching throughout is hand-sewn, with irregular spacing typical of Southern workshops and depot or contract manufacture.

 

Overall, this is a complete, untouched Confederate cartridge box with sling, displaying the honest wear, material economy, and utilitarian construction that define authentic Confederate field equipment. Surviving examples retaining original slings—especially with horseshoe-style buckles—are increasingly scarce and highly sought after by advanced collectors.

 

A strong, display-worthy example of Confederate infantry accoutrements, suitable for inclusion in an advanced Civil War collection or institutional exhibit.

Ex: Texas Civil War Museum

 

Inventory Number: CON 649