Object

Cartridge Box

Date: c. 1775
Dimensions: 9 3/4" x 2" deep x 3 1/4" high
About this artifact

This is a photograph of an American cartridge box that was probably carried in the Revolutionary War. The participants in Shays' Rebellion would have used the same equipment. This cartridge box was a popular type with a sagging pouch in the leather beneath the block for storage, or for easier fitting of the wooden block into the leather. It has double flaps and a 1 5/8" linen strap which would go over the shoulder. The block has 17 holes which held cylindrical paper cartridges containing a musket ball and gun powder. Pre-measured, rolled paper cartridges made loading a musket quicker.


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George Neumann and Scurlock Publishing Company