Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Granville Sparrow of Portland, who had this cartridge box in his possession, enlisted as a sergeant in the 17th Maine Infantry in August 1862. Sparrow, 25 at his enlistment, remained in the regiment until August 1865, having been promoted to lieutenant and captain.
The box has the initials "L.W.P." scratched on it.
Infantry soldiers carried 40 rounds of ammunition - bullets and gunpowder charges wrapped in paper - in two tin compartments of their cartridge boxes. These could be worn on the belt, but since they were heavy when loaded, they often were worn on belts over the left shoulder, with the box resting on the right hip.
About This Item
- Title: Soldier's cartridge box, ca. 1863
- Creator: Garcelon & Covell, Lewiston
- Creation Date: circa 1863
- Subject Date: circa 1863
- Media: Leather, metal, brass, paint
- Dimensions: 17.5 cm x 19.5 cm x 6 cm
- Local Code: 1998.453.20
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Arms & armament--American
- Military uniforms--American
- United States--Civil War, 1861-1865
- United States. Army. Maine Infantry Regiment, 17th (1861-1865)
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
