LEATHER GEAR

     Leather gear consists of a cartridge box, cap box, bayonet scabbard and an accoutrement belt to hold the equipment. The prevalent cartridge box should be the U.S. Model 1855 model style, either Federal or Confederate manufacture.  Those carrying the U.S. Model 1842 Musket should use the .69 caliber box, but it can also be carried by those equipped with other rifle muskets as well.  The Enfield cartridge box can also be carried.  All cartridge boxes should be properly constructed and must contain tins. The cartridge box can also be worn using a shoulder sling. The sling can be of either leather or tarred linen. The cap box, of which there are several variants, must contain a strip of sheep's wool and include a loop for nipple pick, a tool that should be carried there, or in the tool pouch in the cartridge box. The bayonet scabbard should be of leather with a brass, tin or lead tip on the end--scabbards with
numerous rivets are of late war Federal manufacture. The accoutrement belt should be of good quality leather, approximately 2 inches in width, and fitted with a roller, frame, or similar style buckle. The accoutrement belt is to be worn just above the belly button. CSA and CS belt plates should be avoided. C.S. manufactured items are sewn, not riveted. Above is a correct style belt and accouterments, shown individually, and as they would be worn on the belt.