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Identification

US Military McKeever Pattern Cartridge Box (Missing Interior)

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

The item is a McKeever pattern cartridge box, identifiable by its distinctive brass rod hinge and clam-shell opening, which corrects the seller's Civil War attribution (the McKeever box was patented in 1873 and introduced in 1874).

Story

Introduced in 1874 based on a patent by Samuel McKeever, this pattern replaced earlier Civil War pouches and became the standard US Army cartridge box for the. 45-70 rifle. The heavy crazing and brass patina on this example are consistent with late 19th-century field use and natural aging. The secondary market for Indian Wars-era militaria is stable but highly condition-dependent. McKeever cartridge boxes are relatively common, having been produced in large numbers and used through the Spanish-American War.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The exterior leather displays heavy, natural crazing and surface wear typical of its age. Crucially, the interior canvas cartridge loops have deteriorated or been removed, leaving only frayed remnants along the hinge.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for Indian Wars-era militaria is stable but highly condition-dependent. McKeever cartridge boxes are relatively common, having been produced in large numbers and used through the Spanish-American War. Buyers typically seek intact examples with supple leather and readable arsenal stamps, while relic or heavily worn pieces serve primarily as entry-level display items.

Value Drivers

▲ Distinctive brass rod hinge and clam-shell design confirm the authentic McKeever pattern.

▲ Clear 'US' oval embossing on the front flap remains highly visible.

▲ Authentic late 19th-century US military issue hardware and construction.

Concerns

▼ Missing interior canvas cartridge loops heavily discounts the piece from the $80+ intact tier.

▼ Heavy leather crazing and flaking limit appeal to condition-sensitive collectors.

▼ Unverified arsenal marks — a lack of visible inspector cartouches prevents a premium attribution.

Best Venue

List at auction or through a militaria-focused marketplace with a starting bid of $30 to encourage bidding toward the $50 to $60 fair market value. Ensure the listing title corrects the era to 'Indian Wars / Late 19th Century' rather than 'Civil War' to attract the correct collectors and avoid post-sale disputes.

Upside Potential

If faint, previously unnoticed arsenal stamps (such as Watervliet) or inspector initials are discovered under better lighting, the box could push toward the $70 to $80 range despite the interior condition.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 6 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Milestone Auctions· 2019-07-13
    MCKEEVER CARTRIDGE BOX WITH NEW JERSEY BRASS PLATE
    Link could not be verified.
    $300
  • Legacy Collectibles
    SOLD - Very Nice McKeever Cartridge Box
    Link could not be verified.
    $225
  • CampSite Artifacts
    US M1874 McKeever Cartridge Box
    Link could not be verified.
    $170
  • Lock Stock Barrel Premier Auction· 2025-05-01
    McKeever cartridge box, tool, and cartridge combo
    Link could not be verified.
    $110
  • Karlan's Arms & Antiques
    Two Indian Wars Era McKeever Cartridge Boxes
    Lot of 2 items.
    $90
  • Heritage Auctions· 2019-06-09
    Two McKeever Cartridge Boxes and a Civil War-Era Cap Box. (Total: 3 Items)
    Lot of 3 items.
    $79