Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1314:
Description
This U.S. Army Mills Woven Cartridge Belt (c.1880s), with model 1886 Whittemore H pattern US plate. Invented by Brigadier General Anson Mills, this revolutionary woven cotton webbing belt replaced heavy leather equipment and was a monumental step forward for infantry load carriage. This particular model would have held .45-70 Government cartridges for the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle and features the iconic single row of cartridge loops and the distinctive weave pattern.
Condition is remarkably good for a textile artifact of this age and service. The woven cotton web is intact with minor fraying on the ends of the belt. All brass components show a nice, dark patina. The belt presents beautifully as an honest, used piece of late 19th-century American military history. Belt: H 3″, L 32 ¼ “. US Plate: H3 ¼”, L 2 ¼”
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