18-Hole Cartridge Box

Date1770-1840

MediumLeather, wood, cord, tinned iron, wrought iron, and brass

DimensionsHeight: 7 3/4" Width: 10 1/8" Depth: 2 3/4"

Credit LineGift of the William H. Guthman Foundation

Object number1960-20

DescriptionCartridge pouch of sewn leather with a large rectangular flap at front, fastened with a brass hook & catch; small trapezoidal pocket attached to front of pouch behind flap; interior composed of rectangular wood block with 18 holes in two rows resting above a three-section tinned-iron tray; iron buckles sewn to bottom to secure a now missing strap.
Label TextBuilt around a pine block drilled with holes for eighteen cartridges, this very well-made American pouch was based on a British design. It would have been worn on the soldier’s right hip, suspended from a now-lost white leather belt. Below the block is a three- sectioned “tin” tray for storing extra cartridges and flints, or perhaps a musket tool and a cleaning rag.