An 56th (West Essex) Regiment of Foot Cartridge Pouch 1855

 An 56th (West Essex) Regiment of Foot Cartridge Pouch 1855 - Thick leather with a smooth black finish, heavily-stitched, stamped "56 REGt / D 47" and date stamped "1855" on the front panel, featuring a two pocket metal insert, magnetic, for the storage of ammunition. Comes with two fold over flap closures, an underlying smaller one that covers the metal cartridge inserts and an overlying one that is stitched to the base of the back panel, extending over and covering the entire front of the pouch. It is completed by a supple white leather tab with die-cut slot, sewn to the underside of the overlying flap, for placement over the brass post on the bottom of the pouch, ensuring a snug fit for carrying the ammunition and protection against the elements. At the back of the pouch are two straps, secured in place via a heavy stitching, allowing for placement upon a belt when fed through the loops. It measures 61 mm x 102 mm x 178 mm, exhibiting surface mold on the inside on the flaps from storage, surface rust on the metal inserts, with the expected contact marks from active use, the stitching remaining fully intact. Given the age and purpose of use, very fine.