RARE: Indian War Era US Army Mills M1876 Prairie Cartridge Belt for .45-70 Government Cartridge - from 1879 Trials w/Brass Hook Loops for Trowel Bayonet - Nice Condition - RARE

Up for sale is a RARE Original Indian War Era US Army M1876 Prairie Cartridge Belt for .45-70 Government Cartridges.  This belt was in the 1879 Trials with the Brass Hook Loops for the Trowel Bayonet .  The leather is soft and supple.  Some minor surface cracking on the leather strap.  The canvas is in pretty nice condition, some fraying on the edges, see photos.  No visible markings or dates.  This is a Mills manufactured cartridge belt.  The box has 54 cartridge loops for the .45-70 Cartridge.  The belt has an approximate total length of 44 5/8" x 2 1/2" wide.  This belt would have been used with the US Model 1873 Rifle or Carbine.  This belt is used, see Photo's for condition. 

The 1879 Trials merely added three brass hook loops to the 1876 Prairie Cartridge Belt.  The purpose of the loops was to add the ability to carry the newly issued Trowel Bayonet on the belt.  This modification was not found suitable and was never adopted.  The modified belts were returned to regular service.  Only a small number of belts were modified for this trial, so today they are RARE on the collector market.     

This is a very hard to find Indian War Era cartridge belt.  It would makes a welcomed addition to any Collection.

Please see photos.

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