|
CAVALRY BELT OF 1882 – AKA THE “SHERMAN” BELT –
REVOLVER HOLSTER CARRIER – A VERY GOOD SPECIMEN OF A
SCARCE INDIAN WARS BELT COMPONENT: The Model
1882 “Sherman” Cavalry Belt was introduced at the
insistence of General of the Army William T. Sherman in
response to what he regarded as unnecessary and
unauthorized modifications of the cartridge belts then
in use by the frontier army. Soldiers confronted with
carrying accoutrements that were not designed to
accommodate the wider cartridge belts modified the
accoutrements and the belts in order to carry what they
would need in the field.
With the introduction of the 1881 Mills Woven Cartridge
Belt, Sherman’s fixation on the soldier executed
modifications was given voice in an order issued by the
general which specifically prohibited the carrying of
any material or equipment on the cartridge belts other
than cartridges. All other equipment such as holsters,
revolver ammunition, knives, and bayonets was to be
carried on the leather belts currently issued to the
troops. The infantry and other foot troops would wear
the standard Pattern 1874 Waist Belt, however for the
cavalry, and for non-commissioned officers armed with a
revolver, a new belt was designed - the Cavalry Belt of
1882.
The Sherman Belt is a flat leather belt designed to be
worn under the Mills Woven Cartridge Belts. The
components of the Sherman Belt include a leather pistol
ammunition carrier attached to the belt with laces, and
faced with a set of Mills woven cartridge loops which
bears a small brass Anson Mills patent tag, and the
piece offered here - a detachable holster carrier. Both
pieces were designed so as to suspend the holster and
the pistol cartridge loops below the bottom edge of the
Mills Woven Carbine Cartridge Belt which was worn over
the Sherman Belt.
This leather strap was designed to pass through the belt
loop on the holster and the two brass flat hooks engaged
matching brass “D” rings suspended from the bottom edge
of the body of the Sherman Belt. As these pieces were
intended to be removed and replaced on the body of the
belt, it is common that they became separated from the
belt bodies once these scarce belts were consigned to
the surplus market and the belts are now often found
missing these appendages.
This holster carrier is full form and in very good
condition. It does show signs of use with some flexing
and crazing to the surface of the leather, however the
leather is supple with a shiny surface and both brass
hooks are present and fully attached.
Model 1882 Cavalry “Sherman” Belts have never been
common, and finding a complete specimen is an even
greater challenge. This is a scarce opportunity to
restore a key component that is missing from your belt.
(1006) $350
|
