This H-shaped, heavy, cast belt plate was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1886 and used on what is sometimes called the “loose-loop” belt, which has woven cartridge loops and ends that are secured to the belt plate using two brass-wire loops at each end: one to engage the back of the belt plate and the other to secure the first by holding the ends of the belt folded together. The belt and plate were used by the regular army in the late Indian War period. The regular army phased out the plate in 1894, but it continued in wide use among many of the state troops called into service in the Spanish-American War and is often seen in period photographs taken in Cuba and the Philippines. This example has very good color and is made with the early single row of cartridge loops. There are just a couple of white stains to the first two loops on one side (which might clean) and also a white painted rack number “60” on the inside of the belt. The belt plate has the number “34” stamped in the reverse center and the initial “W” in a square scratched in as well. The weaving is good and solid, with all loops complete. The grommet holes for fitting other accouterments are in place also.

A very good example of the late Indian War regular army cartridge belt that was kept in use by the volunteers right through the Spanish American War.  [sr]

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