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EXCEPTIONAL EARLY BELT RIG FEATURING 2 HOLSTERS, A

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 900.00 USD
EXCEPTIONAL EARLY BELT RIG FEATURING 2 HOLSTERS, A
SMALL CARTRIDGE POUCH, AND A FROG. This belt, featured on page 518 of “U.S. Military Holsters & Related Accoutrements” by Meadows, measures approx. 48” in length and has a permanently sewn open-top 8” holster on each side for the USN M1843 boxlock pistol. The rear of the belt has a permanently sewn small cartridge box with a wooden insert for 54 cal. prewrapped cartridges. Between the cartridge box and the left-hand holster is an 8 1/2" leather frog that slides on the belt. The frog is not likely for a sword since the M1841 officer’s saber had ring mounts. Therefore, we suspect the frog is for a dirk or a boarding weapon of some kind, as this belt rig would likely only be worn during conflict. The brass buckle measures approx. 1 11/16” x 1 1/4", and the prong is made of iron. The 8” holsters are 5 1/2" wide at the top, tapering to about 2” wide at the base. The right-hand holster has the plug in place, but the left-hand holster’s plug is missing. The belt rig has a history of being owned by Commander Eliza Peck, USN, who served from 1816 to 1866. Peck retired in 1855 but was recalled during the Civil War. He was promoted to Captain in 1863, a scant three years before his death. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a copy of page 518 from the Meadows book. CONDITION: the belt remains complete with no visible breaks or major flaws and is quite pliable. It is somewhat flexed and a bit flaked, but quite stable and well preserved. The holsters are solid but a bit stiff, as expected. The cartridge box and frog also show minimal wear. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows. (02-22127/BF). $600-900.