Mann's Patent 60-Round Cartridge Box and Belt / SOLD
The army had long recognized the medical drawbacks of soldiers carrying full cartridge boxes and other accoutrements on waist belts. William Mann, an officer in the 7th Michigan Cavalry, patented a system in late 1863 for both cavalry and infantry that distributed the weight more evenly and place the burden mainly on the shoulders rather than the waist and groin. The Mann’s cartridge box was produced in both 40 and 60-round versions in 1864. C.S. Storms had supplied the initial contracts, but Emerson Gaylord, the maker of this box, started his contracts on July 25, 1864, with a contract for 10,000 60-round infantry boxes, by far the rarer variant. This box is complete with its shoulder slings, which are usually missing, and the Bush patent magazine tin. The latter utilized sliding tins that enabled the soldier by means of a small finger ring to raise up the two reserve packs of cartridges from the bottom of the box once he had expended the upper rounds. The box retains its two shoulder slings which are still supple with some surface crazing. Mann intended the straps to better support the weight of the box. Both straps are full length and are attached to the Mann’s waist belt through the upper D-rings on the belt. Both brass chest hooks are in place that were intended to attach to Mann’s patent knapsack, which never saw use in the field. The riveted latch tab is in place on the cover of the box and the embossed US in an oval is sharp and detailed. The leather on the box and belt is in good condition and still supple. The accoutrements are mounted with a percussion cap box in a large shadow box with descriptive brass plaque. Units such as the 4th Maine, 15th New Jersey, 2nd New Jersey, 95th Pennsylvania, and 49th Pennsylvania are known to have been issued Mann’s infantry accoutrements. Mann’s patent gear is scarce in any condition, particularly this 60-round variety. 18 ¼ x 24 ¼ inches.
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Inventory Number: LEA 277 / SOLD