US CIVIL WAR ENLISTED BELT WITH MAKER-MARKED CAP POUCH – CAPS AND TOMPION INSIDE

US CIVIL WAR ENLISTED BELT WITH MAKER-MARKED CAP POUCH – CAPS AND TOMPION INSIDE

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 Image 9 Image 10 Image 11

$495.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 362-1303

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Offered is a standard pattern US Infantry waist belt with accessories, finished in regulation black.  The leather, while dry and crazed, retains much pliability. Much of the original finish color is present, with the rest given to shades of brown from scattered loss of the outer layer.

This piece carries the regulation stamped brass, solder-filled, oval US belt plate worn by infantry during the war. The pattern was proposed in 1837, finally adopted in 1839, and first produced in two sizes: the larger version in theory being for dragoon saber belts and waist belts for riflemen, and the smaller one use for the waist belts of line infantry, who carried their cartridge boxes and also their bayonets on shoulder slings at the time. The bayonet shifted to the waist belt in the early 1840s, though it was not until 1857 that the infantry officially changed to the larger plate. This version as arrowhead (or “snakehead”) points for attachment to the belt. A form that shows up on some very early plates, and was re-introduced beginning in 1863 by some makers, becoming the standard form soon after. The keeper on the other end of the belt is the flat brass C-clasp pattern that replaced the early war standing sewn loop, still keeping the end of the belt in place, but permitting it to be more quickly fastened and unfastened.

Also mounted to the belt is an original cap pouch, stamped on the front by sub-inspector R. White.  White’s sub-inspector mark is most frequently found side-by-side with the manufacturer stamps of: S.H. Young & Co. (based out of Newark, New Jersey) and J. Cummings (operating out of Springfield, Massachusetts).  In keeping with that information, the inside flap is stamped by S. H. Young.  The outer layer of the pouch is crazed across the flap and ears, with the rest of the leather and stitching in good condition. Belt loops are still firmly attached to the body by rivets. No wool is left inside, but the nipple pick it retained by the interior loop.

Most interestingly, the cap pouch retains 88 original percussion caps and a well-used tompion. The caps are unstamped and, while a few are bent, most are in good, complete condition with only light oxidation. The tompion is darkened from age and use - with a slight glue repair to one section of the body and some material loss near the tip.

In all, an interesting accoutrement pairing with unmistakable evidence of use.   [cm][ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About US CIVIL WAR ENLISTED BELT WITH MAKER-MARKED CAP POUCH – CAPS AND TOMPION INSIDE

should be empty