US Cavalry Prairie Belt Rig

Circa 1885

An excellent overall condition US Cavalry Prairie Belt Rig. Both the holster and belt show no modifications, damage, and little to no use. A great Cavalry Rig, rarely found in this condition.

Holster – Condition

THE HOLSTER is a Pattern 1881, two position, Cavalry flap holster. It has the larger belt loop for use with the woven web cartridge belt. The two-position flap holster will accommodate a Colt SAA or a Schofield revolver. The holster shows a prominent “US” stamping on the front of the pouch and an inspector’s stamp “CW” on the flap. There is no legible maker’s mark on the holster. All the original stitching is present and solid and the leather shows no damage or losses. All the shiny black finish is present on the pouch and the flap. It retains the original toe plug, also with good stitching. The leather is a little stiff, but a revolver fits perfectly.

Belt – Condition

THE BELT is a Mills Cavalry Prairie Belt, the 45-loop variation, with the 1885 Stuart-Type saber attachment. This was the first cavalry belt to use Mills woven belt body and loops. The belt is 43 ½” long overall (tongue 14 ½”) x 3” wide. The tongue is marked “ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL” and “W.T.G.” the inspector. The belt is tan in color, the leather billets black, now toned to dark brown. It’s in overall excellent condition with no losses or modifications. The leather tongue shows light cracking but remains supple. All the cartridge loops are present with little-to-no wear, showing some light stains. This type of belt is illustrated in “American Military and Naval Belts, 1812-1902” by R. Stephen Dorsey, page 268.

This is a rare find in this condition and would be hard to improve upon. It would go great with a high condition Cavalry revolver of the same era.

**Colt SAA in photos is not included.

Clarks Antiques – Antique Gun Leather – US Cavalry Prairie Belt Rig – Price $2,750.00

Item #1824

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