PATTERN 1857 CARTRIDGE BOX AND WHITE BUFF SLING

Pattern 1857 Cartridge Box with White Buff Sling

The pattern 1857 cartridge box was developed for the new series on arms in a new caliber 58.  Due to comments from the field concerning the Pattern 1839 cartridge box, waist belt loops were added to the Pattern 1857.  This Pattern would not have rivets and was produced by 4 contractors and Allegheny Arsenal.  The 4 contractors typically marked their boxes snd the waist belt loops were in a different position than the boxes made at Allegheny  Arsenal.  Initially produced in 58 caliber, later another wider version was produced for 69 caliber rifled ammunition.  This box would be noticablely wider.  Later in 1861, with the rush to mobilize large numbers of troops the 69 caliber round ball box would be produced.  It was the same width as the 58 cal box but deeper.  Allegheny Arsenal reported making 5,845 - 69 caliber round ball boxes, pattern 1857, from April 1861 through June 1861.  This information is from page 98 of Paul Johnson's book "Civil War Cartridge boxes".  At the time of publications no examples were known, but since then a few have surfaces.  This example is one.  At this time in 1861 regulations called for a black buff shoulder belt.  There was a shortage of shoulder belts and units were authorized to issue boxes without the shoulder belts.  At this early time there were units that used white buff belts.   It is possible this rig dates from that early war period with the white buff belt.  

The cartridge box is complete with all buckles and straps in place with solid stitching.  It is unmarked and has the waist belt loops stitched centered.  There are no rivets.  Also the tins are present.  The 2" wide white buff belt is solid and unmarked.  It has an eagle plate.  The set presents well and is in very nice condition.