69 Cartridge Boxes

[wrfabus]

Which 69 Cartridge Box is correct for the 1842 Springfield Smoothbore for the war years? I see from vendors both the 1839 Box and the 1857 Box, but seem to remember the 1857 box being for the 1842 Rifled Musket, not the smoothbore.

The 1839 pattern was for the smoothbore.

[Hoosier Yank]

Originally Posted by Clark Badgett

The 1839 pattern was for the smoothbore.

I beg to differ Mr. Badgett. The Pattern 1857 box is ALSO acceptable for use for a M42 or any other large caliber weapon.

I would suggest checking the Appendix 6 of "Civil War Cartridge Boxes" by Paul Johnson. Two boxes of the 1857 pattern were available one for round ball the other for elongated. Even a Pattern 1861 and 1864 were available for .69's however, both were designed for elongated ball.

In 1862 production of round ball .69 boxes ended. Mr. Johnson cites a telegram from General Ripley to the Frankford Arsenal dated 10 July 1862 telling them "Issue enlongated ball accoutrements instead of round ball whenever the latter are called for."

I stand corrected. And thanks for the information. Will have to get that book someday. When it came out my world was being destroyed, and need to say it was far from my mind.

[Yellowhammer]

I recommend picking up a copy of Paul Johnson's "Civil War Cartridge Boxes of the Union Infantryman." This work is a must have for any Civil War enthusiasts bookshelf. Not only does it trace the evolution of the CW cartridge box from the M1839 up through the M1864 but includes numerous wonderful photos of Federal troops in the field.

Here is one link: http://www.manatarmsbooks.com/johnson.html

[DougCooper]

One of those indespensible books that makes us all smarter. The close-up photos in this book (and exacting measurements of original patterns) are an outstanding way to evaluate one's accouterments as to accuracy in construction and size...and to determine which box makes sense for your impression throughout the war. Fred Gaede is about to do the same thing for cap boxes, as he did for shelter tents.

[Yellowhammer]

Doug,

Having read the first two chapters of Fred's US cap box book, I assure you it will be another must have!

Also, Johnson is working on a US scabbard book so the three will have your basic Federal accoutrements covered.

Hot damn, now maybe I'll be able to ID my original sheild front cap pouch. Sure would like to know where it came from since the only marking on it is a rather large and faint "54".

[RyanBWeddle]

N/A - posted in the wrong area...

Sorry.

[RyanBWeddle]

I agree with John, watch out for the upcoming publication from FCG which will open many eyes.

As to the quote on appropriateness of the "1857 Round Ball" box. That statement is out of date, the examples in Johnson's book were pre-war examples, and the contracts the gov't issued for that specific pattern end in June 1861. The 'roundball' box of the 1857 pattern for .69 weapons did not continue past that date, NO future contracts exist.

The .69 cal 1839 Box & the .69 cal US 1861 Pattern elongated box are most correct for usage...

The 1857 Round ball in .69 is a unique variant and more likely than not didn't see action in the field.

The 1857pattern for .58 boxes though, did indeed see service.