Confederate Cartridge Box with Georgia Plate

By Shannon Pritchard · Originally published June 2021 · pp. 6–7

A complete, as issued, Georgia Confederate cartridge box.

Confederate Cartridge Box with Georgia Plate By Shannon Pritchard The Confederate manufactured cartridge box shown here is easily distinguishable from its Yankee counterpart by the bulbous lead closure finial. Even without it, the box screams Confederate. The box was manufactured with buckles for a shoulder sling; the soldier cut slots in the back so he could insert his accoutrement belt through it, thus locking all his accoutrements together. This allowed him to get it on and off faster, and kept it from swinging when marching or charging. The box is 100% original, complete, strong, and supple; even the latch tabs are intact and the tool pouch is flexible. The Georgian who carried it would have had his gun tool, worm, and probably a few other odds and ends stored in the tool pouch. It is a great Confederate cartridge box in its own right, but even more importantly, it still has its original Confederate -manufactured shoulder sling! The sling is in very good condition. It is made of a very thick, cord, and woven cotton/flax webbing with leather rangers sewn to each end. The cords were laid out lengthwise, the webbing was wrapped around them, and then dividers were sewn lengthwise, making an extremely strong sling. The sling is one of the finest heavy web slings I have ever seen. It has always been with the box and probably was issued with it. All the stitching is tight, and it is completely original in all regards. It is in such good condition that it could be hung on a rifle or on a mannequin. Remarkably, the box still retains its original 55 by 87 mm cartridge box plate bearing the Georgia state seal. The seal displays a symbolic image of the Constitution as an arch supported by three pillars and the state motto, “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation.” The rights enshrined in the Constitution are symbolically protected in the seal, by a guardian standing ready with a drawn sword. Just before the War, Georgia’s leaders cast “moderation” to the wind; the other two pillars collapsed during the War. Thus, in 1861 Georgia’s sons went forth to protect their sacred rights won by their fathers in 1776. Georgia’s citizen soldiers did their utmost to defend their three founding principles, though in the end, all three were crushed.

Confederate boxes still carrying their original plates are extremely rare in any condition, but to find one in this condition with its original web sling is virtually unheard of. This is the best of the best and has visual appeal second to none. Publishers Note: Confederate accoutrements in this completeness and condition are rare.

Lifting the outer flap exposes the inner flap and tool pouch.

Shannon Pritchard has authored numerous articles relating to the authentication, care and conservation of Confederate antiques, including several cover articles and is the author of the definitive work on Confederate collectibles, the widely acclaimed Collecting the Confederacy, Artifacts and Antiques from the War Between the States, and is co-author of Confederate Faces in Color.

Leather rangers were added to the ends of the textile sling. Note the slight lineal bulging in the sling caused by the cords and accentuated by stitching down the cloth between the cords.

In the tool pouch the infantryman carried the gun tools necessary for field maintenance. Photos courtesy OldSouthAntiques.com.

Small “end tabs” sealed the corners so that rain and sparks could not enter the box.

Though manufactured with only over the shoulder sling loops, the soldier cut slots in the back so that he could lock the box into position with his waist belt.