Original Item: Only One Available. Original Federal Issue Carbine Cartridge Box in excellent complete condition. This box is a nice example of the “universal” style of carbine box that became standard, with a removable wood block that could be changed to fit a variety of different cartridges. The box has the typical late-war style of attaching the latch tab by the means of horizontal stitching, but still conforms to older specifications in having a horizontal belt loop and bottom buckles for use on a shoulder sling that was rarely employed. As for the bottom buckles, they appear to have either been removed intentionally or they both pulled through and have become lost to time. Unfortunately the tab is torn in two though the missing piece is still present.

This is a nice example of a Civil War “Universal” Carbine Cartridge Box that has great color and finish. Most belt loops, buckles and tabs are in place or present, as is interior wood block bored out for twenty carbine cartridges. (Sharps Carbine rounds fit perfectly.) The cover shows some minor crazing from flexing and the reverse shows some handling marks. The tabs and inner flap show a deep luster. Measures approximately 8" x 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".

The interior flap is marked with H.A. DINGEE NY. The Dingee family of New York City was heavily involved in making and supplying U.S. military accouterments and insignia for the first half of the nineteenth century. Henry A. Dingee and a half-brother took over the business in the mid-1840s, and Henry continued to have army contracts into the 1850s and the war boosted business. In 1861 alone H.A. Dingee had contracts for more than 10,000 infantry cartridge boxes.

Overall, an excellent example of a Federal Issue Carbine Cartridge Box, perfect for the Civil War collector.