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1st Pattern 1876 Cartridge Belt w/Infantry Modified McKeever Cart. Box
Price: 1050
From my personal research collection and the exact cavalry set discussed and shown on pg. 237-238 of AMERICAN MILITARY AND NAVAL BELTS 1812-1902. The set is comprised of a full-length First Pattern (narrow) cartridge belt with an excellent specimen of the very scarce infantry-modified 3rd Pattern McKeever Cartridge Pouch. The loops were arsenal or regimental saddler-cut so they could be thonged over the cartridge belt thereby adding 20 cartridges that a soldier could carry without wearing two cartridge belts.
The belt is very solid with a slightly trimmed, 7 in., live leather tongue. The McKeever is very live and has a good "US" on the cover. The real rarity of this First Pattern belt is that it was painted Infantry blue during its period of use (to match the uniform) and is definitely of the period since at least one other such belt is known. The blue has faded somewhat but it is definitely an Infantry blue belt. Another bonus is that the back of the belt is "signed" by its user and could be researched to an infantry unit of the Early Indian War period.
Both the modified pouch and the First Pattern belt are very scarce individually and a set like this is almost never seen for sale . Other photos, just like those in the book cited, are available on request.
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