U.S. Cavalry Ammunition Pouch .45-70

[squamatology]

My father in law gave this to me recently. 
 

It was passed down to him, together with a Springfield trapdoor .45-70 rifle, not sure what year. The rifle was sold many years ago but he still had this packed away. 
 

Interested in learning about it (age, collectibility, etc.) if anyone has knowledge to share. 
 

I see 7th Cav stamped on the top flap and some other markings I can’t make out. Were these government issued?

 

He said the ammo has been in there for decades but I don’t think it is nearly as old as the pouch. The lead bullets are very oxidized, feel like a different metal now. 
 

Thanks!

[iron bender]

I believe your ammo pouch is for a German 71/84. Possibly an 88. For that matter it could be a foreign copy of the 71/84 ammo pouch. The 7th Cav mark is added later, Looks like a nice pouch of commercial 45-70

[squamatology]

Thank you for the reply, very interesting. 
 

How did you determine that? Was it something just recognizable about it based on your knowledge and experience?

 

Any idea of approximate age/era? I read that the 7th Cavalry ended in the 1920s. 

 

If that is the case, seems like someone just reprovisioned it to carry .45-70. 
 

I found out last night that my FIL had it for over 50 years and the ammo was in it the whole time. 

[squamatology]

Very impressive, iron bender! I just searched “71/84 Mauser ammo pouch” and found extremely similar examples. They had the same overall design, buckle, side closures, and even stamp!!

 

This is a great match, thanks again!

[iron bender]

I'm familiar with German field gear and lots of the US gear used during the Civil War and Plains Wars. Lots of field trials of unusual gear post Civil War, and I doubt I'm familiar with all of it. That said I didn't recognize your ammo pouch as US but did recognize it as a 71/84 pouch. Take care!

.....as a side note, 7th Cav markings on everything from swords to bugles to insignia on uniforms has been a huge seller since Greasy Grass. Everyone wants Custer stuff

[squamatology]

Thanks again, much appreciated!

 

I don’t know what Greasy Grass is but this pouch has been stamped with 7th Cav for over 50 years. My father in law had this packed in a box for decades and didn’t find it until he moved. He wouldn’t know the first thing about any of the history, value, or even how to sell it. He just gave it to me because he doesn’t want it. 

[iron bender]

Little Big Horn. The demise of Custer's Cav outfit. Adding 7th Cav to anything old has been a sales ploy since that unfortunate battle.

[robinb]

Isn't the leather stamping kit that was used to make those markings the Model of 1910 Leather Stamping Kit?

[squamatology]

Thanks again, you have been super helpful! Also gave me some fun topics to research. 

[Ronnie]

The stitching was a dead giveaway that it wasn’t American made.