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RARE MILLS EAGLE PLATE MOUNTED ON A BLUE MILLS
SINGLE LOOP WOVEN CARTRIDGE BELT: This rare
belt and plate set is believed to pre-date the Spanish
American War, and was certainly a design that appealed
to the nationalistic emotions of that era. The Eagle
Motif, 1887 Pattern Cartridge Belt Plate, manufactured
by the Mills Belt Company, is truly a rare plate, and is
seldom seen offered for sale.
The plate and matching keeper are in full form with no
damage and an overall very nice patina. The dark blue
Single Loop Mills Woven Cartridge Belt is in excellent
condition - full length with all 45 cartridge loops
present and intact. The blue webbing retains a strong,
even color with no fading or discoloration, is very
clean and free of any soiling, and the edges of the
cartridge loops are intact with no wear or fraying. The
belt was originally manufactured with the black oilskin
binding on the ends of the belt, but this binding, never
particularly substantial, has worn away through time,
however the ends of the belt have not suffered and show
no evidence of raveling or loss.
This is indeed a rare Mills belt and plate set, and one
that would display very well with a Spanish American War
grouping. (0222) $950
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