ACW Infantry M1855 Cartridge Box and Tin Inserts for American Civil War

M1855 cartridge box was the standard cartridge box used the American Civil War by the Infantry both sides used this design of pouch.

It was a Northern, Federal, design cartridge box pouch but as with many items the Southern Confederacy copied the design themselves. When these where first issued they where also given a brass plate (U.S. or C.S.) which was fixed onto the front flap. The brass plates where lead lined to increase it weight so they not only identified friend or foe but also while in battle and the main flap closure was open the extra weight keep the flap from staying open which was an attempt to keep the weather off the cartridge's.  

Later in the war the brass plate badge was stopped mainly due to needing the brass and lead for more essential war manufacturing.

The M1855 Cartridge box differed from earlier designs by having two belt loops on the back so it could be worn directly onto a belt or with the extra strap it could be worn over the shoulder (shoulder strap not included). A study of period American Civil War photographs has shown that the majority of Infantry soldiers carried the M1855 cartridge box with the shoulder strap.

 This replica A.C.W. (American Civil War) M1855 cartridge box that we have for sale has the following features:

• Black leather with white stitching.
• Main compartment has two tin containers included.
• Each tin container would hold 10 rounds vertically on the top and another 10 in a paper package below so each cartridge box would hold 40 cartridges in total.
• The smaller front pouch would hold cleaning rags and musket tools.
• Inner flap over the larger compartment, design to try to keep the weather out and the cartridges dry.
• Second flap covers both compartments and the inner flap.
• Leather tab is sewn onto the main flap and fastens onto a brass stud on the base to close the pouch.
• Two belt loops on the back which are sewn and riveted on.
• Two horizontal straps at the top of the back and two metal metal buckles on the base for the leather shoulder strap to fasten on (shoulder strap not included but is available separately).
• The front flap does not have any holes in for the brass plate badges, so it can be used as it is a late war model or if you purchase the separate brass plate badges you will need to cut or punch two holes in the front to fix the brass badge plates on).

Price is for one black leather M1855 cartridge box for re-enactment or an American Civil War display.