Exceptional Civil War US Model 1864 Cartridge Box with Shoulder Belt

This is the July of 1864 pattern for .58 caliber balls, and is a Type 1 example made without the inner cover flap. The black bridle leather is in fine-near excellent shape with only some minor crazing at the flex points and edges. The cover flap has a maker’s stamp: "E.A. CROSSMAN & Co. / NEWARK / N.J."; and US Inspector stamp: "E.J. CONANT / US / ORD. DEPT. / SUB INSPECTOR." The tin inserts are both in fine shape, the brass closure stud has a yellow-ochre patina, and the shoulder belt buckles still have nearly all of their original black japanned finish remaining. Some light verdigris is present on the cover and belt loop rivets. The shoulder belt is also in fine-near excellent shape, with some minor crazing, but the leather is otherwise supple and fully serviceable. No belt plate was ever fitted. Edwin A. Crossman & Co. was a Newark, NJ, maker who had a single large 1864 contract for 15,000 infantry accoutrements, 5,000 saber belts and plates, 6,100 carbine slings, and 2,500 carbine cartridge boxes. This box was part of the 15,000 sets of infantry accoutrements and is an excellent example of a late war US cartridge box. It would make a great addition to any collection.