Rare – U.S. Model 1864 .69 caliber cartridge box

This is a very nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War Cartridge Box. It is the "Pattern 1864” infantry cartridge box in the large .69 caliber size. Outer flap exhibits almost no crazing and just very minor scuffing on the edges. Oval “US” is clearly embossed in the center. Closing tab is sewn and riveted to the underside of the flap and remains complete and unbroken.

Inner flap covers two near perfect tins that remain in place. This inner flap is deeply marked with maker’s stamp, “R. A. SNIFFEN / U.S. / ORD. DEPT / SUB INSPECTOR / R.NECE / PHILAD”. Reuben Nece, of Philadelphia Pennsylvania received a contract to supply 33,000 cartridge boxes from 1863 to 1865.

Both side “ears” remain tightly attached. The implement pouch is present and complete. All stitching on the box remains tight and unbroken. Belt straps are sewn and riveted.  Large brass finial is located on the bottom of box.  The two iron roller buckles remain on bottom and are also sewn and riveted.  Box measures approximately 8 ¼” x 2” x 5” (for the .69 caliber elongated ball).

On the "Pattern July 1864", Type II means there are two internal flaps. These boxes discontinued use of the earlier ornamental brass box plate, replacing it with the oval "US" embossed on the flap. This pattern has inside flaps covering the implements, plus a second flap covering the tins. This was the last cartridge box for the rifled musket, weapon development was moving to breech loaders of smaller caliber.

This cartridge box is very rare, being it is .69 caliber, the majority manufactured would be .58 caliber, so I am sure they wouldn’t manufacture very many of these. The larger size calibers were being phased out. I have seen two of these .69 caliber boxes for sale from well established Civil War dealers, and they were priced at $800.00 and $900.00, and neither was as nice as this one, I show one as an example (see pictures).

If you were ever looking for a maker-marked box in pristine condition, this is the one. Over 30 years I have never owned a box in this condition. It is definitely museum quality. It would just about be impossible to upgrade for your collection.