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MODEL 1912 RIFLE CARRIER BOOT FOR THE MODEL 1903
SPRINGFIELD RIFLE – AS ISSUED WITH THE MODEL 1912
ENLISTED MAN’S TRIAL SADDLE - ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
STAMPED - COMPLETE WITH BOTH STRAPS – EXCELLENT
CONDITION:
This Model 1912 Rifle
Carrier Boot, as issued to carry the Model 1903
Springfield Rifle on the Model 1912 Enlisted Service
Saddle.
The Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot was a component of the
unique, and somewhat complicated, system of interrelated
equipment which defined the Model 1912 Trial Equipment.
The Rifle Carrier Boot’s upper strap attached to the
left, or “near” side, cantle loop on the saddle and was
used in conjunction with the Model 1912 Enlisted
Garrison Belt or the Model 1912 Mills Pocketed Cartridge
Belt – both of which were fitted with a leather padded
belt ring. The rifle was carried upright, with the
muzzle inserted into the belt ring midway down the
forestock, and the rifle’s butt was placed in the
carrier boot’s “bucket”. The retaining strap on the
boot kept the boot upright until the soldier dismounted
and as he dismounted, the retaining strap would feed
out, allowing the boot to pivot away from the horse and
the butt stock of the rifle would be drawn out of the
boot.
If you are somewhat confused at this point, you’re in
good company – the soldiers all must have experienced
the same bewilderment at the mind which was capable of
conceiving this system. Nonetheless, this method of
carrying the rifle was not only introduced for trial,
but was apparently used to considerable extent, most
notably during the Punitive Expedition into Mexico.
To fully appreciate
how this system of equipment was employed, see the
photograph below of the mounted soldier, taken from the
1916 US Army manual, "Description and Directions For Use
and Care of Cavalry Equipment Model of 1912".
This Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot is in excellent
condition. The boot is complete with both of the full
length attaching and retaining straps, and the swivel on
the bottom of the boot is present, intact and fully
functional. The boot holds its shape and is full form,
with no scuffing on the interior
surface indicating this boot was never used. These boots are often found oil soaked and
misshapen, making the condition of this specimen
notable. The leather surfaces of the boot and standing
plate are particularly nice, having an even medium
caramel russet color with minimal color variances and
retaining an even shiny surface with no crazing or
other signs of severe wear or aging. The rear surface
of the standing plate has a bright, legible “ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL” stamp which includes the date of manufacture,
“1918”. The back of
the boot bucket and the front of the standing plate are stamped with various
piece workers and inspectors initials. The full
length attaching strap was manufactured with the rough
side of the leather out, proper for much of this 1912
equipment. The retaining strap, also full length, has
some flexing at the tip, but it is
still flexible and strong.
Not a particularly common piece of US Cavalry equipment,
this is an especially nice example of the Model 1912
Rifle Carrier Boot, and one that would never need to be
upgraded. This scabbard would be a very special
addition to your display of the unique Model 1912 Trial
Equipments. (0808) $950
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