This is a Type II, Pattern 1864 box with a nice, crisp “U S” embossed on the front flap. The front leather is smooth, but there is some flaking on one internal flap and on the back and sides. The ears and finial are intact, but the latch tab and shoulder belt buckles are gone; the internal tins are correct and complete. One feature that makes this box desirable is the clear, internal sub-inspector’s stamp. “ F. A. Sniffen / US Ord Dept / Sub Inspector” appears in an oval, outside of which is stamped “R Nece,” the manufacturer for whom Sniffen was sub-inspector. The box measures 8.2” x 1.8” x 4.8” making it a box for the .69 caliber elongated cartridge. According to Johnson, this type of sub-inspector’s mark was exclusive to thos inspectors working for Captain McAllister and every box with this stamping can be traced to a contract dated after July 1864 when McAllister assumed the Inspector’s duties. Reuben Nece of Philadelphia had contracts to deliver more than 3,000 double-flapped cartridge box sets to the Frankford arsenal, at a cost of $5.45 - $5.55 each