Some are selling what they call "real" buff that is a yellowish color that is very soft and spongy, but according to the Ordnance dept. of the time the leather should be of a firm consistency, and should not be Spongy.  Our buff leather is specially tanned for us and very closely matches what the original buff leather was like.

At the direction of Secretary of War Henry Dearborn the Purveyor of Public Supplies Tench Cox began working on new accoutrements late in 1807.  It would appear that with the anticipated large increase in the the Regular Army and desire to more uniformly equip the state militias the intent was to create "national patterns" for accouterments.   The description of the box is as follows:  Cartridge Box -- the wood in point to contain 26 cartridges, with a tin case under the wood, in 3 apartments, those at the ends of equal size to contain 12 cartridges, the middle one flints, on the outside of the box under the flap a place for oil rags, ect., a black leather belt of 2 1/2 inches, secured by strong buckles in the bottom.   

A later description of the new box dated 31 May 1808 is as follows:  I am not purchasing cartouche boxes, but proposals may be sent is --- our new boxes are with blocks bored for 26 cartridges of ball nineteen to the pound of stout leather, having under the Block a tin with three compartments for 6 cartridges to be in each end compartments end for flints and oil rags in the middle one.  To this a little leather pocket in the front of the cartridge box affords admittance.    Copy from Military Collector and Historian, Journal of the Company of Military Historians, Vol. 37 #2.  Written by Frederick Gaede, Page 98. 

The main difference between this box and the earlier one is the addition of a inner flap and a set of ears.  This came about in the 1820's.   This type of 1808 box was in use until the pattern 1828 box was adopted.  Although there are records from the Arsenals in the late 1830's of having on hand 1808 boxes with ears and inner flap but not being embossed.

Please order sling separately.

# 20033     Pattern of 1828 Cartridge Box             $260.00

In the summer of 1828 a change was suggested change was made to the standard infantry cartridge box.  The suggestion was to add an ornate embossment on the flap of the box.  This was the standard infantry box until the Fenwick Ordnance board change the pattern in 1839.

Please order sling separately.

# 203RW  Militia Cartridge Box  $250.00

We have copied this box from one in the Jarnagin Collection.  This box came to us from the North Carolina back woods.  The box comes with a wooden block bored for 24 holes, and there is a compartment under the block for storage of flint extra cartridges and etc.   There is a unique geometric pattern in the original box that has been painstakingly copied in the reproduction.  This box is designed to be carried on a sling.   

Please order sling separately.

Cartridge Box Belts (slings)

These were contracted for both black bridle leather and buff (white buff)

These slings are 2 1/2 inches wide and 66" long.  If longer length is required please specify when placing your order.

#1808SLHR        1808 Cartridge Box Sling  This is a bridle leather dyed black.     $50.00

#1808SLB   1808 Cartridge Box Sling This is a buff sling.      $74.95

#262      Linen Sling (Natural Color with leather ends) 2" Wide   $33.50

#263      Black Treated Linen Sling with leather ends 2" Wide      $42.00

#2410HR      Pattern of 1808 Shoulder Belt (Baldric) in black bridle leather with brass oval Plate     $120.00