U.S. MODEL 1855 RIFLEMAN’S BELT AND BUCKLE WITH BAYONET FROG

$875.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1179-498

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This scarce 1855 rifleman’s belt rig is in good condition and complete with its two-piece frame buckle, brass belt loops, and bayonet frog.

Constructed of black leather, the belt is fitted at either end with two thin straps inside that retain the two pieces of the open frame brass buckle by hooking over small studs, while the ends of the wide belt simply loop back through them. The bayonet frog is attached by two support straps so that the saber bayonet hangs vertically. The pocket is pierced for a simple round stud on a scabbard throat of a saber bayonet.

These belts were patterned after those of the French “chasseurs a pied,” or light infantry, and were wide enough to carry the weight of the newly adopted sword bayonet and a full cartridge box, since light troops dispensed with shoulder belts. As an additional support, the belt carries two narrow brass slides with holes at the top to engage the “j-hooks” on the knapsack straps. This helped transfer the weight to the shoulders and better distribute the load. These belts were first issued to 9th and 10th U.S. infantry, who were to be a “foot rifle corps,” and were soon adopted by various state units in the 1850s and show up in Civil War photographs with some frequency.

These belt rigs are not common, and as is typical, this one has some small issues. The thin strap that attached to one of the buckle halves has broken and the end is gone. Additionally, the bayonet frog has been reinforced on the backside to support weak spots.

This scarce belt rig will still display perfectly and would make a fine addition to an accoutrement display or will go great with a M1855 or Mississippi rifle. [jet] [ph:L]

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