M1912 Cavalry Belt and Bandoleers

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M1912 Cavalry Cartridge Belt
M1912 Cavalry Cartridge Belt

In 1912 the Army designed an experimental set of Cavalry accouterments. One of the items was the M1912 Cavalry Cartridge Belt. The belt had reverted back to the 1903 design with 9 pockets going around the back of the belt. For the 1912 model a leather tool frog, rifle retaining strap, and folding rifle holder were added. An M1912 pistol magazine pocket which was removable could be slipped on the belt's left or right side. Overall the belt was a failure for the Army during the Punitive Expedition owing to the cumbersome rifle holder. Some of these belts can be found with the rifle holder and leather tool frog removed. This example is dated 1917 and made by Mills. Earlier versions of the belt can be found with eagle snaps. GWS Collection

Rifle Holder Rifle Holder
These photos show the folding ring to hold the M1903 Rifle while the trooper was mounted. This feature of the belt was unpopular by the Cavalrymen who actually had to use it. GWS Collection

Rifle Hook
The M1912 Belt used a strap to help secure the rifle while it was held by the belt's rifle holder. This photo shows a detail of the hook on the strap which attached to the rifle's trigger guard. GWS Collection

Tool Frog Leather Parts
Part of the M1912 Cavalry equipment was the combination picket pin/ shovel. It was carried in a leather cover and meant to be attached to this leather frog on the cavalry belt. Also note the leather reinforcements on the inside of the belt. GWS Collection

Bandoleer Bandoleer
M1912 Cavalry Bandoleer

Cavalrymen wore an extra bandoleer for rifle ammunition. This Mills made bandoleer is dated December 1916. Each pocket held one clip of ammunition for the M1903 Rifle. Three additional pockets in the middle of the belt could carry revolver or automatic pistol ammunition. GWS Collection

Bandoleer
M1912 Cavalry Bandoleer with Lift The Dot Snaps

This is a November 1917 dated variation of the cavalry bandoleer with lift the dot snaps for the rifle pockets and Carr fasteners on the pistol ammunition pockets. GWS Collection

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