William Mann, an officer in the 7th Michigan Cavalry, patented a system in late 1863 for both cavalry and infantry that distributed the weight of ammunition and accouterments more evenly and placed the burden mainly on the shoulders rather than the waist and groin. This is a very scarce example of the Mann’s patent waistbelt for infantry that was produced in 1864. Several Union regiments were issued Mann’s accoutrements for field trials but the system was never adopted and examples are rare.

The waistbelt offered here is in good condition. The leather is supple and strong but does show heavy surface wear. The width of the belt is approx. 1.75 inches. The belt plate is the same arrow hook and tongue attachment as found on the reverse of the pattern 1839 oval “US” plate but without the brass face and lead fill. Also attached to the belt are four “D” rings, two on top and two on the bottom for attaching other parts of the brace system. The belt has a sub- inspector mark just behind the attachment holes for the buckle. Unfortunately, no maker’s mark is visible. Also attached to the belt is an 1864 pattern leather cap box with no inner flap and the ears sewn directly to the underside of the outer flap. Face of the flap bear s a sub-inspectors stamp. Cap box is in good condition. Fleece and a rusted pick are present inside.

The cartridge box is complete with one suspension strap still in place and the other cut-off but present. The box has an exterior flap only with the ears sewn to the underside. There is no inner flap. The front of the flap bears a sub-inspector’s mark at lower right while at center is a large embossed “US” surrounded by the Mann’s patent information and a maker’s mark for Gaylord of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Latch tab is worn but solid. The box leather is in nice condition overall with some moderate surface dirt. Inside the box is the original tin with a top that has two dividers making for three compartments. Tin is tight in the box and cannot be removed to view the lower portion. Implement pocket is present on the front of the box and is in good condition. Pocket holds a Model 1855 musket wrench and spare musket nipple. Bottom of the box has a pear-shaped brass finial.

A verbal ID says the belt and boxes belonged John Brooks of Company G, 116^th New York and later in the 1^st Louisiana Cavalry and then the Veteran Reserve Corps. A document that comes with the item gives the lineage of John Brooks family and goes forward through four generations to the person the museum acquired the box and belt from.

John Brooks was a 44 year old Buffalo native when he enlisted in Company G, 116^th New York Infantry on August 11, 1862. On February 10, 1863 he transferred to the 1^st Louisiana Cavalry US but returned to the 116^th in January of 1864. In September of ‘64 Brooks entered the Veteran Reserve Corps and was mustered out on June 28, 1865.  [ad][ph:L]

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