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MODEL 1896 RUSSET LEATHER PISTOL CARTRIDGE POUCH –
ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL DATED 1904 - SCARCE MODIFIED POUCH
FOR WEAR ON THE WOVEN PISTOL AND POCKETED CARTRIDGE
BELTS:
This Model 1896 Pistol
Cartridge Pouch, manufactured in russet leather per the
1902 change from black leather, is in very good
condition, featuring bright legible arsenal markings on
both the pouch reverse and on the wooden cartridge block
insert.
Especially notable is that this pouch was one of the
relatively few modified by the army for issue with the
revolvers still in service. By removing the leather
belt loops from the rear of the pouch and instead,
mounting a Model 1910 style wire hanger through brass
grommets which were installed to reinforce the holes,
the pouch could be worn on any of the woven pistol and
pocketed cartridge belts as seen on the right side of
this period photograph shown below. While the number of
these pouches which were modified is not known, it
appears they were done in limited numbers and surviving
specimens are scarce today, particularly in the
condition of this example.
This pouch has survived in very
good condition. The leather retains an even caramel
color with no heavy darkening from oil or other
treatment and no signs of wear. The front flap bears a
strong legible “US” in the oval and the reverse is
stamped in the earlier style with the full arsenal name
“Rock Island Arsenal”, with the date “1904”, and the
inspector’s initials “H.E.K”. The leather is smooth
overall and all the seams are intact. The original
wooden block is present, drilled to accept the.38 pistol
cartridges and the block also has the desirable “RIA
1907” stamp on the lower face. The holes are all intact
with no chips, cracking or splits. The block can be
removed from the pouch, as intended, so .45 caliber
cartridges could be carried instead of .38, depending on
the pistol the soldier was issued.
This is a very good, well marked example that would be a
nice addition to your belt. Matched with a holster of
equal condition, and using one of the Mills web
equipment slides, this pouch would make an impressive
set on a one of the Model 1910 Officer or NCO Garrison
Belts, or paired with a holster it would make a good
addition to any of the 20TH Century woven
belts which are fitted with grommets along the bottom
edge. (0807) $175
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