Cartridge Box ID (help!)

[iron bender]

I've owned this little box for a long time, as in at least 40 years. I'm curious if someone can positively identify it. I've seen similar militia type boxes during the Civil War era. I'm guessing this is post-war for some sort of parade dress. It's about the size of a Civil War era pistol cartridge box, but on a sling/baldric. Interestingly the manufacturer is Henry V. Allien, New York. I was only aware of his sword work up through the first 02's. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Jordan

 

[7thWisconsin]

I believe that´s called a ¨sabretache.¨ It´s kind of a decorative cartridge box worn by cavalry. I don´t think they were ever part of any regulation US cavalry uniform, but that certainly doesn´t rule out national guard or militia. It certainly looks mid-19th century.

 

[UCVRelics]

Looks like a @Package4 answer.

 

[bobinwmass]

Bit hard to discern that maker mark, but looks like it could be Henry V. Allien New York. They formed December 31, 1876. Prior to that Allien worked for and then was in partnership with the Horstmann Company.

 

[iron bender]

Thanks for the responses so far. The maker mark is Allien. The only reading I've done on him is his work in developing what becomes the new 02 sword. I had an early named 02 that had his mark on it, recently traded off. Tonight's research shows, so far, military goods sales. So this is obviously a very post Civil War box. Still curious on a positive ID if anyone out there has it.

 

[JackADriscoll]

Horse soldier had one for sale https://www.horsesoldier.com/products/military-accoutrements/leather/belts/16027

 

[bobinwmass]

From what I read, while the style began being used in the 1850's, these were commonly used in various states by officers in their militia/National Guard through the 1880's. Saw one with crossed cannons that was used in the 1870's by the Washington Artillery. The Horse Soldier seems a little presumptuous in declaring theirs one from the Civil War era, but without a maker mark to date it, hard to argue.

 

[Package4]

These were very popular with militia and guard units and as the Horse Soldier alludes, were produced and sold to officers by SHG, Horstmann and others during the war. They were not functional, but for dress and were utilized through 1900.

Due to the markings on the subject box, it may be dated to the latter half of the 19th century. Allien was in business, in New York, 1877 until 1948.

The Horse Soldier makes the presumption on their box that it was pre to war date due to the lack of markings. The US government passed a law during the war that material must be marked by the manufacturer. The law was necessary due to the poor quality and profiteering entered into by nefarious firms. Shoes, uniforms and other gear would pass inspection then quickly fall apart in the field. Having goods marked made it easier to identify the culprit and bring suit. I can't recall the year but think it was 1862-3 timeframe.