|
INDIAN WAR MODIFIED CAP POUCH FITTED WITH MILLS
BELT HANGING WIRE: This is another interesting
Indian War period modification of a fairly scarce early
Civil War Cap pouch, identifiable by the separate
attached closing tab. The continued fiscal restraints
encouraged the Ordnance Department and the troops in the
field to make use of the Civil War equipment still in
inventory and these modifications are a fascinating
field of collecting in their own right.
This cap pouch had the interior flap removed and it was
then fitted with a three hole block for holding .50-70
cartridges. The pouch was attached to a standard brass
wire hanger for attaching the pouch to an 1880’s era
Mills woven cartridge belt, which suggests this pouch
dates no later than the mid-1880’s. The brass hanger is
attached to the belt loops of the pouch with loops of
iron wire that have been secured at the tops of the
loops with a line of stitching – all very well done to
execute a permanent modification, and not some temporary
arrangement. While no other similar pouches are known
to have been noted, it is safe to assume there must have
been enough made to equip a salute detachment employing
one of the field pieces at the post, perhaps at a
frontier fort.
It is possible the method of attaching this pouch to a
Mills belt was copied from other similarly modified cap
pouches that were being used at the time as pistol
cartridge pouches by the troops armed with the Colt
Model 1873 revolver, so despite the unique block in this
particular pouch, it would make a good addition to a
cavalry belt.
This is a very nice and interesting specimen that would
display well on a Mills belt as a prime example of
Indian War era accoutrement modifications.
SOLD
|
