Model 1874 Clothing Bag with Sling. 

Model 1874 Clothing Bag with Sling.  Has a black rubberized flap with white “U.S.” stencil on the lower half.  The rest of the bag is made of natural cotton duck.  The pocket on the interior bag is for the 1872 Meat Can, which is held in place using a cotton duck strap and regulation general service button. Doug McChristian notes in his book “US Army in the West 1870-1880,” that the button could not be fastened when the can was in the pocket. One tip of the russet leather strapping has inspector’s mark, appears to be A.W. Smith.

There is a faint name on the interior flap, some typical staining and light soiling with general but lighter wear.

The white cotton duck sling (or Chamber’s sling) is in fine condition with some crazing to the leather ends.

A rare and most desirable early Indian Wars accoutrement.  My third in 40 plus years.