Lieutenant George H. Palmer’s Brace System – Pattern of 1874

Lieutenant George H. Palmer’s Brace System – Pattern of 1874. Components for this lot enclude:

• 1874 Clothing bag type 3. Cotton duck made at Watervliet Arsenal, with pouch for the 1872 Meat Can. Soldier’s name on the flap but hard to read. Soiling, some stains, small hole at base of bag. Strong “U.S.” stencil on outer flap.
• Waist Belt and plate, with loops attached to each buckle and keeper.  Both brass sections are stamped “R.I.A.” ( ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL). Watervliet Arsenal marked in the leather, “C 6″ stenciled on the underside of the belt. ” 84″ is also stamped on the belt and likely this soldier’s equipment number. Retains the original leather slide. Leather shows wear, with some crazing, overall VG.
• Carrying Brace. In un-touched condition. Leather is fine with some slight issues at usually accompany leather (a application of a proven preservative would enhance the leather. Overall fine. Yoke is marked Watervliet Arsenal. Included are a pair of blanket straps, usually never seen with these.  They are in un-touched condition as well. Scarce!  Also, the short leather straps that connect the clothing bag to the brace system. One of these is marked by the inspector, A. R. Smith.

Lt. Palmer came up with this idea of reducing the soldier’s load, and create a system that would allow more comfort. Palmer had served with the 27th infantry on the plains in the Dept. of Dakota, earlier in the late 1860’s, and understood the problems of overbearing accountrements, in the heat and high altitude on that region.

Overall a very respectable set of accoutrements.

I am adding photos from the 1874 Ordnance Manual on Infantry Equipments so you can see what else was used in conjunction with this brace system and how they were worn.