2nd Pattern 1876 Prairie Belt – One of 200 Issued In .50/70 Cartridge Loops – SOLD

2nd Pattern 1876 Prairie Belt – One of 200 Issued In .50/70 Cartridge Loops. Researching these belts I found that apparently the Post ordnance officer at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, requested these belts in the larger caliber for use with Scouts, teamsters, contractors of various types, who had been issued the older pattern rifles and carbines still in service. The belt has 46 loops instead of the usual 54 do to the increased size of the cartridge.

The 14.5 (approx) inch tongue is marked WATERVLIET ARSENAL, and inspected by the inspector A.R. Smith.   The condition overall is about the best of these I’ve seen. Great even color, and light wear overall on this oil varnished canvas to give the material water-proofing.

Information on this can be found in the reference, American Military & Naval Belt, 1812-1902,  It was further stated that originally the ordnance officer had ordered 300 belt, of which only 200 were supplied.

A very scarce Indian Wars accoutrement.