Civil War Pittman N.Y. Contract Carbine Box Modified for Indian Wars use on the Prairie Belt

Civil War Pittman N.Y. Contract Carbine Box Modified for Indian Wars use on the Prairie Belt. The box has no wood insert for cartridges, and probably used either 20 round .45/70 box, or two Colt .45 revolver boxes. One 20 round box would be loose, but this Pittman box could hold 4 revolver boxes, double stacked, and the flap would close easily.  Maybe used by an officer on campaign allowing him to carry 48 cartridges, as this modification would have been used during the early years of the Indian Wars or pre web belts.  The modification is made on the belt loops: cutting them and applying leather thongs to allow for use on the early Prairie belts.

The leather is very good overall. The flap at one time had a pair of cap insignia on it, evidenced by the pattern of the slots, for example a ’72 enlisted cavalry insignia.  One small area of damage to the main body on the right side of the tool pouch where this is a small wedge shap missing.  Leather is supple and no stitches broken.  The sling buckles had been removed in the period – their use not required.

A interesting box.    Cartridges not included.