This is a pattern 1839 cartridge box for the .69 cal. round ball or 'buck and ball'. The box is constructed without belt loops and is able to be carried only by the shoulder strap, however there are surviving examples with slits or added leather for carriage on the waist belt. Our boxes start as natural vegetable tanned leather. We make our own dye using a recipe based off the US Ordnance Manual which consists of water, broken nutgalls, logwood & iron mordants. Once it's dyed, we give it a generous coating of natural oils and waxes then prepare the threads so we can begin stiching. The entire box is sewn by hand using unboiled Irish linen cord prepared with a mixture of beeswax, rosin and pine pitch, otherwise known as 'Kit'. The kit heats up as the threads are pulled through the holes and helps cement the stitches in place. It also adds life to the thread by keeping it safe from the elements. The box is made flat, but once all the pieces are sewn on it is folded and tacked to a wooden form so the side panels can be sewn on. It is finished up by closing the tack holes, placing the tins inside and attaching the plate to the front of the box. The tins and plate are included in the price.
