Model 1874 Cavalry Saber Belts with Equipment

August 11, 2021

Hello,

I have shown two 1874 saber belts in the pictures. The belt shown at the top of the second picture is the best belt rig in my collection. The rig could only be improved by a nice model 1875 or 1879 holster rather than a model 1881 holster. The model 1881 on the belt is very nice one, It's a first pattern (2 inch belt loop) in near mint condition, It has a clear Rock Island arsenal mark on the flap. The holster maker's initials WM are at the end of the flap. It has a 1874 Dyer cartridge box attached to it. This box has a faint Watervliet Arsenal mark on the back. Designed to hold 40 45-70 cartridges. It also has a set of 1874 Hazen Loops on it.. The middle belt loop has US Benicia arsenal mark. One belt loop has the #48 (rank number) on it. Designed to hold 20 45-70 cartridges.

The belt also has a model 1875 cartridge box designed to hold loose 45 colt SAA or Schofield S&W rounds. This cartridge box was an original CW cap box that was modified for IW use. The inner flaps of the civil war cap box was cut away, and wool fleece and cone pick was removed. Two small sections of leather were sewn down on the sides to prevent any loss of cartridges, and finally the outer flap was embossed with the “US” in an oval. Finally, it has set of 1875 saber straps for attaching the 1872 saber.

The second belt is similar but has a original CW cap box that has only had the wool and vent pick removed. It was still used to hold loose revolver rounds. The holster is a model 1881 third pattern. It has faint Rock Island arsenal mark on the flap.

August 8, 2022

I added a few items to this grouping.

A box of 1874 45 LC ammo. Box is very good condition and writing nice and legible.

A model 1860 cavalry sword. Sword is in very good condition. Blade is tad dark but still nice. Nice leather rap and beautiful patina. Maker marks are not readable. I may see a faint 1865 near the leather washer. These swords are not cheap anymore. I believe my leather sword knot is a pattern 1885. But apparently the model 1860 cavalry sword was carried by troopers into the 1890s (last picture)