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     Every Confederate soldier that carried a gun had to have a waterproof cap box to store and protect a supply of percussion caps.  A firearm without a cap was useless.  All over the South, contractors sought to fill this need.  Unlike their Union counterparts, which were virtually identical, Confederate cap boxes came in assorted sizes and materials. 

     The most common Confederate cap pouch is easily distinguishable from its Yankee counterpart by its single, wide, leather belt loop and a lead closing finial.  The Federal box uses two belt loops and a brass closure finial.  The outer flap held the box closed and shed water.  The inner flap has leather tabs sewn onto each end so that when closed, the box seals tight enough to keep out flying sparks.

     The percussion cap box shown here is the classic Confederate manufactured and issued box.  Notice the simplicity of the single belt loop design, and the utilization of lead as a closing finial.  The outer flap was trimmed to match the size of the box during its period of use.  An interesting feature is the missing corner of the belt loop; it is obvious that the maker was using every scrap of leather he could scrounge in order to continue production.

     The leather is strong and supple and retains a smooth surface.  The stitching is all original and remains tight.  The lead finial is secure and the washer remains in place on the interior. Both end tabs remain securely attached.  Even the cover latch tab is unbroken, and remains strong.

     This is a very nice example of a pure Confederate cap pouch.