This scarce 1855 rifleman’s belt rig is in good condition and complete with its two-piece frame buckle, brass belt loops, bayonet frog, scabbard, and bayonet.

Constructed of black leather, the belt is fitted at either end with two thin straps inside that retain the two pieces of the open frame brass buckle by hooking over small studs, while the ends of the wide belt simply loop back through them. The bayonet frog is attached by two support straps so that the saber bayonet hangs vertically. All leather is soft, completely pliable, and with unbroken stitching overall.

The bayonet measures 26.5” overall with a 21.5” blade and was assembled in the south with Harpers Ferry parts. The blade shows very light pewter tone overall with some slightly darker mottling on one side. The edge is good with no nicks or chips. The blade is strongly marked “US” on one side of the ricasso. The brass hilt has nice mellow patina. The retaining spring and button are in place and work. A mis-drilled hole on the left was filled with iron pin and grooved to match the grooves in the grip. There is a small “SP” stamped on the top flat and a “3” stamped on the right side at the pommel. There are a few small dings on the brass, and initials “WHP” scratched on the left side of lower guard.

The scabbard is complete, full-length and with just a couple of fold creasing. The stitched seam remains strong and unbroken. The brass throat remains securely attached with four pins. The brass throat at the top of the scabbard remains securely strapped in place with little brass buckle.

These belts were patterned after those of the French “chasseurs a pied,” or light infantry, and were wide enough to carry the weight of the newly adopted sword bayonet and a full cartridge box, since light troops dispensed with shoulder belts. As an additional support, the belt carries two narrow brass slides with holes at the top to engage the “j-hooks” on the knapsack straps. This helped transfer the weight to the shoulders and better distribute the load. These belts were first issued to 9th and 10th U.S. infantry, who were to be a “foot rifle corps,” and were soon adopted by various state units in the 1850s and show up in Civil War photographs with some frequency.

These belt rigs are not common and this one is complete in every way and in very good condition. This scarce belt rig will display perfectly and would make a fine addition to an accoutrement display or will go great with a M1855 or Mississippi rifle.  [jet][ph:L]

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