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INDIAN WARS MODIFIED PISTOL CARTRIDGE POUCH – VERY
RARE ARSENAL MODIFICATION PRODUCED WITH A WIDER BELT
LOOP FOR THE MODEL 1876 1ST PATTERN PRAIRIE
BELT: The modification of Civil War Cap Pouches
to carry metallic pistol cartridges during the Indian
War period is well documented, and while a number of the
different methods and patterns of modifying the cap
pouches are well known, this particular pouch which was
modified specifically to be worn on the 1ST
Pattern Model 1876 Prairie Belt is quite possibly the
rarest of all the modified Indian War Pistol Cartridge
Pouches.
The belt loops on the accoutrements worn on the leather
sabre belts were sized to fit the standard 2” wide
leather belt. With the introduction of the wider and
thicker Prairie belts, if the soldier was to carry his
holster and pistol cartridge pouch on the cartridge
belt, the belt loops on the accoutrements had to be
enlarged.
As detailed on page 7 of Dorsey’s Indian War
Cartridge Pouches, Boxes and Carbine Boots, in
addition to the standard removal of the cap pouch’s
interior flap to carry the metallic cartridges, both of
the belt loops were removed from the back of this pouch
and a single wide belt loop was neatly sewn on the
center of the back panel of the pouch. The replacement
belt loop was not only wider, but also considerably
longer to allow enough room for the pouch to pass over
the wider cartridge belt and the cartridge loops.
At the time this book was published, only one of these
pouches was known and it was justifiably assumed to be a
field modification. Since that time, two others have
been found – one in my collection and the one offered
here - both identical to the one shown in the book, down
to the manner in which the original belt loops were
removed, the size and quality of finish on the
replacement belt loop, and the neat stitching used to
attach the new loop. The detailed similarity of the
three pieces suggests this was an approved modification
as opposed to those undertaken by individual soldiers,
and the quality of the work argues for these pouches to
have been made at one of the arsenals or ordnance
depots.
The pouch is in full form with the original integral tab
intact, all of the seams are intact, and the replacement
belt loop is very strong. The leather is still very
supple and pliable, and retains a smooth shiny surface
overall. The front of the pouch still retains a light,
but legible stamp that was applied by the Civil War
inspector who accepted this pouch during the war.
That this particular pattern of Pistol Cartridge Pouch
has been found in such a limited number is not
surprising – like the 1ST Pattern Prairie
Belts, these pouches were issued early in the Indian War
period, they were likely produced in very limited
numbers, and they were issued specifically for use in
the field on campaigns where they would have been used
to destruction with very few survivors. The range of
accoutrements which feature the various modifications
are a fascinating field of collecting in their own
right, and this pouch, unique in its application with
the 1ST Pattern Prairie Belt, will be a
significant addition to your early Indian Wars display.
(0061c) $550
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