A scarce, short lived Cavalry accoutrement in great condition.
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Description
1882 Revolver Belt, AKA Metcalf Belt. Developed in response to Infantry sergeants being issued revolvers for field use, as well as cavalry needs. The cost, and numerous components were unpopular and after a two year period, found little interest for use in the field by troops, and in 1884 the decision was macde to halt production and issue of these belts. Approximately 3500 were made according to Ordnance records for 1883-84.
Made by Rock Island Arsenal, and marked only on the waist belts. Designed to carry a separate section of bridle leather with attached woven canvas loops made under the Anson Mills patent (brass tag attached below loops), and this leather was attached to belt by use of leather thongs through 4 eyelets in the belt. The loops held 12 rounds of .45 cal revolver ammunition.
Further beyond this the belt had two brass “D” rings applied from which a section of leather with brass hooks (same as the saber hanger hooks) was suspended for carrying a holster. The the rear and right side were two more brass “D” rings for saber hanger straps (Model 1874).
The waist belt had a large “D” ring which the belt doubled back on itself for adjustment to the wearer, and was then fastened into the typical issue square belt buckle.
Condition of the bridle leather overall is in fine condition or better. Some areas show some dryness and wear, but certainly minimal.
A scarce belt, but devised too late with the new oncoming web equipments being adopted. The cavalry holster would see a larger loop added to slide over the new web belts.
A great example!
A great deal more detail on this accoutrement can be found in Uniforms And Equipment – The U.S. Army On The Western Frontier, 1880-1892, by Douglas McChristian.
Additional information
| Weight | 3 lbs |
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