Cartridge Box 101 - Vol. III, Episode 15

[@cplmark29]

great video billy. Ive been reenacting for 30 years now I like watching your videos to bring back the memories of how it was when I first started, plus I learn something I didn't know sometimes. Thanks

[@rw0341]

Finally! Someone going over what the implement pocket is for.

[@xxnvytechxx6417]

Mines definitely different. It’s more of a folder than a pouch. Very thing so I think it’s for maybe letters or paper?

[@MikeD56034]

the comment about not using so much pressure that you fold the knife on your fingers speak to me...im the accident prone one in my unit. to date, ive taken the bottom tip of a chopping axe just above my knee cap and taken 1/8" off the end of my left thumb and nearly had an eye blown out of my head...all in a days work as a living historian xD Great video as always.

[@Beaguins]

Another excellent demonstration. I wish there were more of these videos, but the quality of research, first-hand experimentation, and video presentation is always worth the wait. Keep up the fine work!

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

+Beaguins thank you for the support.

[@alane.azevedo4625]

You answered every question I had. Great job 👏. Thanks.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

That’s a win!

[@Rolldamntide]

Love civil war digest....wish you guys would upload more.....Keep em coming Jeremy and crew y'all are awesome!!!!!

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

Glad you are enjoying! The folks over at Patreon are making more and more of this possible. Say thanks to them too! We shoot again in two weeks to get a lot more episodes. Thanks!!!

[@jamesrichardson3322]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest What is the title of that book? I want get copy of it

[@wendeln92]

In the implement pouch section - The tompion should be in the muzzle of your cleaned and oiled rifle-musket. The wire cone-pick should be in the little loop of you authentically made cap pouch. The only things that should be in you implement pouch is a few patches and combination tool. I keep any extras in my knapsack or with the sergeant.

[@stoneblue1795]

Well done, really enjoyed this. History is fun sometimes.

[@joshuabale4923]

Very helpful thank you.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

You’re quite welcome! Will

[@stevebohling535]

Great work. Always looking forward to the next one!

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

+Steve Bohling thank you!

[@stevenjohnson2273]

could you do a future episode on period pocket knives please.

[@bdelvo1163]

Great Video! Thanks!

[@garyturner7454]

Nice job guys!!!!!

[@fordfan3179]

Good stuff

[@rileyhabermehl4194]

Very helpful

[@Hi-lb8cq]

Cool video!!!!!...more!!!

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

+high 69 there is more every two weeks on Wednesday's! Hit the subscribe button and KZbin will send you an email of new uploads.

[@joshuabale4923]

The first picture you show at the beginning is interesting, did he tuck in his sack coat?

[@thatguy4106]

keep up the great work!

[@scotthalladay2210]

I used a shoe string eyelet pushed thru for my buckle

[@scotthalladay2210]

Worked really well

[@billrivenbark8983]

Not period but I use a pipe cleaner on both of my plates. They’re handy when cleaning ones nipple and passage if it gets clogged with debris from caps.

[@stevensheldon9271]

This is a great video, thanks. I wish this had been available when I first got started shooting in the N-SSA. I could not figure out the difference or use of the sling vs. the belt.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

Glad you enjoyed the information.

[@Jubilo1]

I wold be interested in attaching the belt and the strap to the cartridge box -belt, strap and box all joined together.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

+David Corbett - we discussed this option when shooting the episode. So far, we have no textual or photo evidence to show this was done. If you find some, please share it with us all! Will

[@Jubilo1]

I think the 36th Illinois Infantry did this; I'll look for some photographic evidence

[@wendeln92]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest This was discussed at Authentic Campaigner, I believe there were photos provided, AND I also think Paul Johnson discussed it in his excellent book on Federal Issue cartridge boxes.

[@SkipRizzBandit]

Did Union soldiers at Gettysburg wear cartridge boxes on their belts without a sling?

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

There probably were some who did but we don’t find this very common across the photos we see in that army in that timeframe of the war. Saying always or never when talking about history is rarely a good choice but I don’t think this is very common. Hope that helps!

[@SkipRizzBandit]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest Thank you

[@shanedolan5614]

i am just getting into everything and have come to find out that the leather strap for me is to short. any idea where i could possibly get a longer strap or even leather so i can make one myself?

[@jimrutherford2773]

You forgot to mention the collector community of cartridge boxes.

[@CW-dl2dd]

What's the best thing to use to oil or clean the interior and exterior of the box? I have an older reproduction that is a bit soiled and the leather is extremely dried and not flexible

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

If it is a reproduction, I would clean with saddle soap. Then I would condition with either mink oil or Hubbards shoe grease.

[@CW-dl2dd]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest Thanks. Can I use Brasso for the box plate and other brass accoutrements?

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

Look around the channel. We have an episode here on polishing brass!

[@CW-dl2dd]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest Thanks again. Keep up the amazing work!

[@Elbowendj]

What is the name and the author of the book you refer to please?

[@sgtNUKEtroop]

so a question , the 1857 and 1861 cartridge box was made for .58 mini ball , .69 round ball and .69 mini ball ... it appears that the .69 round ball box is to be used with .69 round ball AND .69 buck & ball , but is not the .69 buck & ball round longer , so do they fit properly in the box ???

[@sgtNUKEtroop]

sooooooo , any takers on my question ?

[@longrider42]

My Great Great Grandfather was in the 46th Illinois company A, he carried a Enfield. So I purchased the Enfield Cartridge box. Now I have a brass "badge" for the strap. Should I get one for the box? And if so, what kind, and where should I buy it? By the way, he fought at Shiloh, so I purchased the full kit, sans, rucksack and musket and wore my Uniform with pride the three days I was at Shiloh back in 2012.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

The US plate on the box also served to help keep the flap closed. Many vendors like S&S in Gettysburg carry plates. Jeremy

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

You’d have to look and see if the box you have had a US plate originally. You say an “Enfield” box. Is that the British style or American style box? Will

[@longrider42]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest No it is the British Pattern Enfield box, with the five compartment tin. And no tool pocket.

[@wendeln92]

Just because he was issued an Enfield does not necessarily mean he had British accoutrements, if it really bothers you try to find out see if there is info available on the unit which might provide guidance. Also, IMO you should not put a US plate on a British box or an eagle plate on the strap. If you are really pushing to have British accoutrements there is alot of great info out there. Look for the KZbin video that compares and contrasts the US loading and firing system and the British system, the British system seems to win out over the US but that should not influence your decision. A LOT of guys who received British Rifle-Muskets used US issue accoutrements - look at photographs!!!! The Library of Congress site has some great ones.

[@jacknakash2677]

First Rate demo. Jeremy. Hope one day to see you & Will at an event sometime.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

+Jack Nakash we would like that as well!

[@kennethwisenfelder4126]

Whats the name of the book he has in the video?

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

Civil War Cartridge Boxes of The Union Infantryman - by Paul D. Johnson.

[@kennethwisenfelder4126]

@@CivilWarDigitalDigest thanks a lot and your videos has helped me a lot in making updates to my civil war kit

[@FalconX05]

The book on the table is actually Corporal Si Klegg and His "Pard"

[@kennethwisenfelder4126]

@@FalconX05 thanks a bunch

[@annamalin123]

what type of style of belt buckle should i get,puppy paw or arrow head.For Early war

[@wizardofahhhs759]

The phallic shaped one.

[@annamalin123]

I am planing to portray the 11 Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry regiment witch was organized early in 1861.I am trying to get any Pennsylvania arsenal cartridge box.Do you now any sutlers who sell any PA arsenal cartridge boxes?Do I need to get a Pa arsenal cartridge box since in the begging of the war each state had to supply its own troops,or does it not matter.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

Not an expert in that regiment so we can’t be of help here. There are some great resources like the Authentic Campaigner and multiple Facebook groups.

[@annamalin123]

thank you very much

[@waynelkohrjr.8557]

Where can I buy a cartridge box kit and patterns for to make cap pouches to make civil war .....

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Wal-Mart

[@annamalin123]

Where can I get a High quality cartridge box and sling and what depot should I get if I am doing an 1861 impression.

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

LD Hanning and Missouri Boot and Shoe are just two options. Check the Authentic Campaigner forum for used.

[@wendeln92]

Yikes, a pocket knife???? Besides cutting or stabbing your finger and or the table top, do not slip with a sharp knife and make a big slice in your box flap!!!! Many of us decided that the best way is to get an old flat screw driver that has a blade of similar width of the loops on the plate and sharpen it a bit. Mark the box flap like you did, then put the open flap down on a flat surface with a piece of scrap wood underneath and tap the screw driver tip into the flap at the marking - very safe and less chance of messing up your expensive cartridge box. Same method could be used for the eagle plate on the strap.

[@guynemer53]

Anyone else notice in that picture at 1:18 his belt is upside down?

[@CW-dl2dd]

Most likely a Confederate, as they usually took belt buckles off the Federal dead and turned them upside down before placing them on their belts.

[@captainpanda5533]

How long is the sling supposed to be? I bought mine from the regimental quartermaster, and it seems WAAY too short.

[@josephgonzales4802]

Per Government specifications 55.5 inches plus 2 billets which are 4.25 inches each. Most reproductions are way too long.

[@wendeln92]

When you wear your cartridge box is should sit on your right hip back enough o your arm doesn't hit when you walk and the top of the box should be at the belt when the belt is worn at the height of your belly button like it is supposed to. Many reenactors wear their belts to low at the level of their jeans waistband AND many wear the box way too low. When you get ready for action (battle) you can pull the box forward to your side. Again, look at the photographs. The problem with the lengths of the original strap is that most of us today are way to fat and/or tall.

[@annamalin123]

So when troops got their cartridge boxes they had to put them together themselves right?

[@CivilWarDigitalDigest]

They would also know how because of cleaning and maintenance of the items.

[@wendeln92]

Not sure if you are being facetious, but the leather accoutrements were issued together completed - all plates attached. Paul Johnson's book Civil War Cartridge Boxes explains all this. Our experience as reenactors buying our own stuff sometimes requires us to do things the soldiers never had to do or think about.

[@SteveAubrey1762]

Have you noticed the dimensional differences between original cartridge boxed and modern reproductions? Try loading 40 LIVE rounds in a reproduction!