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MODEL 1896 RUSSET LEATHER PISTOL CARTRIDGE POUCH –
ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL STAMPED AND DATED 1903:
This Model 1896 Pistol Cartridge Pouch, manufactured in
russet leather per the 1902 change from black leather,
is in excellent condition, featuring bright legible
arsenal markings.
While obviously issued based on the unit inventory
number “22” stamped on the top surface, from all
appearances this pouch was not subjected to heavy use or
wear. The leather retains the bright russet color with
no darkening from oil or other treatment and only
minimal 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
“1903”, the inspector’s initials “H.E.K.”, and the piece
worker’s initials “HC”. These pouches were stamped
prior to assembly and in this case, the line of stamping
containing “ROCK ISLAND” was stamped exactly where the
leather folded over the rear top edge of the block.
That line of stamping is still mostly legible, but you
have to read it on the edge. The closing tab is also
stamped with a unit inventory “43”.
The leather is smooth overall and all the seams are
intact. The original wooden block is present, drilled
to accept the.38 pistol. The holes are all intact with
no chips, cracking or splits. The block is anchored in
the pouch with a single brass brad nailed through each
end of the pouch leather and into the block.
This is an excellent, well marked example that would be
a nice addition to your belt and would be a good match
with a holster of equal condition. (0302) $225
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