US Civil War Cartridge Box Value Guide

This Union Army cartridge box is a quintessential piece of American Civil War history, serving as the primary ammunition carrier for infantrymen between 1861 and 1865. Its significance lies in its specialized design for holding pre-packaged paper cartridges, which revolutionized the speed of reloading on the battlefield.

What Is US Civil War Cartridge Box Worth?

The typical price range for US Civil War Cartridge Box is $400 - $500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original brass 'US' plate significantly impacts the market price.
• Pliability and lack of 'crazing' or cracking in the 19th-century leather increases the item's desirability.
• Completeness, including the original internal tin dividers and all closure tabs, drives value toward the $500 range.
• Provenance or evidence of use by a specific Union regiment can add a premium to the standard valuation.

How to Identify US Civil War Cartridge Box?

• Look for the iconic oval brass 'US' plate securely affixed to the front flap of the leather box.
• Verify the presence of internal tin liners which were used to organize and protect the paper cartridges.
• Inspect the rear for original leather belt loops and iron buckles intended for the shoulder strap attachment.
• Check for manufacturer stamps or inspector marks often found on the inner flap or side gussets.

History of US Civil War Cartridge Box

During the American Civil War, cartridge boxes like this one were essential equipment for Union soldiers. They were designed to hold pre-packaged paper cartridges, each containing a bullet and a measured charge of gunpowder, allowing for quicker reloading in the heat of battle. The 'US' plate on the front proudly identified it as United States military issue. These boxes were typically worn on a soldier's belt, often with a shoulder strap, to keep ammunition readily accessible.