Rock Island Arsenal Experimental Model Praire Belt

The fabric belt shows age and use, but it is complete and intact. The leather tongue is somewhat stiff, but the belt itself remains pliable. The belt was fitted with an interesting square brass frame buckle, with a separately riveted brass channel to guide the buckle spike into the belt hole. The interior of the belt is stenciled with “67 M” and “R.I.A. Experimental”. This true Experimental Model 1876 Prairie Belt was manufactured at the Rock Island Arsenal and includes the three unique features that identify this belt:  50 cartridge loops; the cartridge loops are not varnished as they were the standard issue prairie belts; and, an additional leather belt strap attached on the inside of the right side of the canvas belt attached by a line of stitching between the 18^th and 19^th cartridge loops.  The interior strap was added so that the soldier could carry the Model 1873 Angular Bayonet or the Model 1873 Trowel Bayonet, or other accoutrements such as a rifle or carbine cartridge pouch, or pistol cartridge pouch that had been modified to use with this belt. One of only 100 of these belts so modified. Overall very good condition.