1810-1825 American Militia Belly Box

Belly boxes were favored by light infantry and mounted troops. Dating such gear for
militia is always approximate. This one is likely no later than 1825 and actually
shows a neat resemblance to early British boxes in being drilled for 18 cartridges,
arranged 9-9, though the rounds here were .69 caliber. The box measures about 7 ¾
inches by 2, by 3 ¼ inches tall. The outer flap is rectangular and decorated with
embossed vertical lines at each side and horizontal lines across the front,
intersecting to form squares at each side. The latch tab is in place, as is a short leather thong with leather button on the bottom. The flap is black leather. The body
of the box is a russet brown. Sewn to the front of the body of the box is a semicircle
of black leather that would form a pouch against the front of the box for flints, etc.
The sides of the box have rounded “tombstone” tops and show tack holes forming a
large “T.” Extending from the rear edge of the box on one side is a leather billet
about 7 ½ inches long sewn into the seam. This is punched for the tongue of a
buckle and was either meant to be detachable from an accouterment belt or one of a
pair that buckled together at the front. On the other rear edge of the box there was
either a matching billet, or a section of belt joining another box, but it has pulled out
of the seam, which shows a very narrow gap. All other stitching is tight, however,
and this is a good box showing off some nice geometric decoration on the flap.