Lot Is Closed
1216
US Pattern 1876 Cartridge Belt with 1879 Trials Modification
Estimate: $500-$800
Sold
$300
Timed Auction
Arms, Armor and Militaria Online
Location
Cincinnati
Description

US Pattern 1876 Cartridge Belt with 1879 Trials Modification

43.5" in overall length with a 10" leather tongue and brass frame buckle. Belt width 2.5", tongue width 1.75". Tongue marked WATERVLIET/ARSENAL on its face in two horizontal lines with a weak A.R. SMITH inspector mark horizontally in script near the tip and and an equally weak J Mc L inspection on the reverse of the tongue. Made of varnished canvas, the belt incorporates 54 2" loops for .45-70 service ammunition and three brass round rings for suspending equipment located 8.25" from the buckle and roughly 1.5" apart. The rings were intended to accept the brass hook from the Rice Chillingsworth trowel bayonet as well as the 1879 experimental socket bayonet scabbards. Originally modified at Fort Abraham Lincoln in 1878 for use with the new bayonet suspension hooks being tested, the belts saw field trials during 1879 but were not adopted as standard accoutrements. Today they are quite scarce. After the trials the belts were returned to standard service, retaining the added 1" rings. This example bears a later, probably Spanish American War era stenciled marking on the interior that reads COMPANY B 2ND GA INF.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Very good. Canvas with much of the varnish present and somewhat stiff, showing some fraying and wear along the lower edges and points of contact. Leather tongue with moderate crazing and finish loss. A solid example of a scarce experimental Indian Wars cartridge belt.
Quantity
1