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1885 CARBINE BOOT – SECOND PATTERN – EXCELLENT,
LIKE NEW SPECIMEN STAMPED ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL:
An excellent, full form example in like new condition,
this 1885 Carbine Boot, Second Pattern is discussed in
detail on pages 139 and 150 in Dorsey’s Indian War
Cartridge Pouches, Boxes and Carbine Boots. As
discussed in this coverage, this Carbine Boot,
introduced in 1885 exhibits several interesting features
that attest to this boot’s development and use. On the
front of the boot, in the upper left corner of the body
is an arsenal plugged hole, a correction that was made
necessary when upon inspection it was discovered that a
quantity of these boots had been assembled incorrectly,
mounting the upper suspension strap on the front of the
boot, rather than on the reverse. This required the
riveted strap to be removed, the hole plugged and the
strap reattached to the rear of the boot. The
suspension strap itself was repositioned at this time
from the originally intended position on the seam side
of the boot to the forward edge of the boot in order
that the boot sit further back on the saddle and not
interfere with the mounted soldier.
In like new, unissued condition, this Carbine Boot
retains a wonderful smooth, bright shiny surface that
has not been treated or polished in any way. In
full form with no flattening from age or storage and
retaining all of the full length straps, with no breaks,
tears or other damage, all of the boot’s leather
surfaces are clear and smooth with no crazing or flaking
and only the slightest flexing on the upper body strap
billet. Both buckles retain all of their black
japanned lacquer finish. The upper body strap
billet and the suspension strap billet are both stamped
with inspector’s or arsenal piece worker’s initials and
the rear of the boot is clearly stamped “ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL”. These “Short” Carbine boots are
considerably less common than the larger Model 1887
Boots with the brass throat reinforcement, and finding
one in this spectacular condition is scarce indeed.
Sure to display very well with the finest Trapdoor
Carbine or mounted on your Model 1885 McClellan Saddle,
this boot will be a valued addition to your collection.
SOLD
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