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MODEL 1875 PISTOL CARTRIDGE POUCH: As a
result of the enforced frugality of the finance strapped
Ordnance Department, like many other Indian War
accoutrements this Model 1875 Pistol Cartridge Pouch was
modified from one of the thousands of Cap Pouches
remaining in inventory from the Civil War. A fairly
simple modification, the cap pouch’s interior flap was
trimmed away, leaving an “ear” at each top corner of the
body. These ears were then sewn to the top of the side
edges of the body to limit the opening and prevent the
loss of the metallic pistol cartridges. The outer flap,
left in its full form was then embossed with the large
“US” in the oval, completing the modification. This
modification, one that would consume a portion of the
remaining Civil War stocks, was recommended as an
alternative to the Model 1874 Dyer Pistol Pouch adopted
by the 1874 Cavalry Board. Such cost saving measures
were necessary and encouraged due to the recession then
plaguing the country in the post Civil War years.
This pouch features a clear, legible bright “US” in the
oval on the front cover. The pouch is in full form with
the original integral tab intact and not torn, all of
the seams are intact, both belt loops are present and
intact, and the leather still very supple and pliable.
The leather surface of the outer flap shows some
evidence of wear and aging, with some crazing that is
now stabilized. The front and back surfaces of the body
retain a smooth, clear, bright surface. Likewise, the
belt loops are smooth, very strong, and are well
attached to the body. It appears that some sort of
metal insignia was attached to the front cover at some
time, leaving two small holes where the insignia’s
prongs were used to attach the insignia. This was a
fairly common practice at the time and is noted today
with some regularity on surviving specimens of Indian
War accoutrements. These M1875 Pistol Cartridge
Pouches are fairly scarce on the market, are heavily
sought after by Indian War accoutrement collectors and
Colt collectors alike, and are one of the accoutrements
most often missing from a Model 1874 Cavalry Sabre
Belt. Overall this is a very good example and would be
difficult to upgrade. (1009) $750
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