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MODEL 1876 PRAIRIE BELT – THIRD PATTERN – SCARCE
DARK BLUE UNIT DYED VARIANT:
Having survived in very
good condition, this is
one
of the scarcer known
variants of the Model 1876 Prairie Cartridge Belt,
having been dyed or painted a deep indigo blue. Well
documented on page 239 of AMERICAN MILITARY AND NAVAL
BELTS 1812-1902, by R. Stephen Dorsey, and although
quite scarce with only a very few known specimens held
in collections, these indigo colored belts are believed
to have been used by an infantry unit.
While in very good condition and showing little if any
evidence of use, the belt was apparently issued to a
soldier in the field. In addition to the application of
the indigo color on the front and inside surfaces of the
belt body, the billet has been shortened to 7”, a common
and typical modification the small waisted soldiers
found necessary due to the original and overly generous
length of 13”. The combined length of the body and
tongue is 39”
with 52 cartridge loops. This
belt is particularly nice as it is one of the few
surviving Third Pattern M1876 Belts that is in the
original configuration, never having been subjected to
the addition of the three brass rings applied to most
belts of this pattern to carry the various Infantry
implements during the 1879 Equipment Trials. The canvas
loops on this belt are in excellent condition showing no
collapse of the varnished loops and no fraying or wear
to the upper or lower edges of the loops. The reverse,
or inside surface of the belt is likewise in excellent
condition with no tears or wear spots in the canvas.
The indigo color is consistent throughout on the front,
loops and reverse of the belt, showing some fading or
wear on the high points. The billet is stamped with a
legible “Watervliet Arsenal”. The billet shows some
evidence of use with some surface flexing, but no
crazing or loss of finish due to flaking. The original
buckle is present. This belt was also shortened on the
buckle end during the period of the belt’s use, again
for the same reason the billet was shortened – the belts
as designed were simply too long for the narrow waisted
troopers. Two cartridge loops were unstitched, the belt
body was shortened, and the cartridge loop strip was
then folded back through the buckle and riveted in place
with two copper rivets.
The modifications as found on this belt define it as a
classic Indian War Era, unit issued, and field used,
specimen.
Some twenty years ago I was
fortunate enough to have the opportunity to examine one
of these indigo blue Prairie Belts in a very extensive
collection. For many years I actively sought just such
a specimen for my own collection without finding another
that was available for purchase. That is until now –
and unfortunately I find myself in the dangerous
position of becoming my own best customer. So like so
many other scarce pieces, this one too must be offered
for sale to quietly disappear into another appreciative
collection.
From my own personal experience, I
cannot emphasize enough just how difficult these blue
Prairie Belts are to find, and while like this one,
another might be offered for sale, I doubt you’ll find
another in this remarkably preserved condition. If your
collection includes an extensive selection of Indian War
period cartridge belts, this interesting variant will
definitely add significantly to your display.
(0201)
$850
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