A rare belt and plate used during the Indian Wars campaigns.
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Description
This Mills web belt was made to hold 45 cartridges in .45/70 caliber. Having seen early service in the West, these belts are rather scarce by comparison with later issue Mills belts of various model dates. There are 4 brass eyelets on each end of the belt, with the purpose of thronging two belts together to form a bandolier to be worn over the shoulder. These belts were made with welts or selvages along the edges. The latter part of this contract had colored selvages in blue, red and yellow for the braces of service in the field. Attached is the rarest of the two piece belt plates, the Model 1882. There is a large “27” marked on the inside of the belt, most likely an equipment number.
The 1882 plates were so problematic for both the U.S. Army and National Guard units, that the Ordnance department ordered these plates destroyed and deposited in various post dumps, usually bent in half, thus making sure any further usage was impossible.
Condition is very good – fine. Webbing show some fading.
A scarce belt and plate.
Additional information
Weight | 2 lbs |
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