Fine Model 1881 Cavalry Prairie Belt With Saber Hook – On Hold

Fine Model 1881 Cavalry Prairie Belt With Saber Hook. Designated by some as the 1885 model as it appeared in Ordnance Memoranda No. 29 in that year, however this pattern belt was already in use. Originally the belt was intended for all troops, but in 1885 the modifications of certain equipments accepting the new brass hook, such as the hunting knifes, entrenching tools, bayonet scabbards, and the use of the cavalry saber chape.

Mills patented woven belt with 50 cartridge loops for .45/70 ammunition. The belt is 3 inches wide,  the leather chape and saber dismount hook are mounted with brass rivets. The brass buckle is original to the belt. The long leather tongue is marked by an inspector at the narrow end, but very hard to see with a weak stamp and crazed leather wear. There are 13 brass grommets designed to enable the hanging of additional issued equipment, such as hunting knife, bayonet and scabbard (not used by cavalry), from brass hangers extending below the cartridge loops. The saber chape also has a square bar for attaching the 1885 saber hangers.

Some of the loops in front have some light soiling, but overall the belt is in fine condition.