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327

M1912 Cavalry Rifle Belt Ring and M1903 Enlisted Saber Hanger

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
M1912 Cavalry Rifle Belt Ring and M1903 Enlisted Saber Hanger
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As issued with the Model 1912 horse equipments, this Model 1912 rifle belt ring was issued for wear on the Model 1904 russet leather garrison belt, in conjunction with the Model 1912 rifle carrier boot, to carry the Model 1903 Springfield Rifle when the soldier was mounted on the Model 1912 enlisted service saddle. The Model 1912 rifle belt ring was a component of the unique, and somewhat complicated, system of interrelated horse equipment and accoutrements which defined the Model 1912 trial equipment.  The rifle belt ring was located over the soldier’s left hip – whether it was this ring which is mounted on a slide that accommodated the leather garrison belt, or the same ring which was permanently attached to the Model 1912 Mills Pocketed Cartridge Belt.    When the soldier was mounted the Model 1912 belt ring was designed to set at a right angle to the soldier’s body to support the rifle.  The rifle was carried upright, with the muzzle passing through the ring until the forestock rested in the leather padded belt ring, and butt stock of the rifle was inserted into the Rifle Carrier Boot which was attached to, and hung below, the left, or “near” side of the saddle.  When dismounted, the soldier could fold the ring down against his body and “out of the way”. The strap belt ring assembly was snapped through the trigger guard, and with the rifle secured with the forestock through the ring, the rifle was effectively attached to the soldier’s body – for better or worse.  A retaining strap on the rifle boot kept the boot upright until the soldier dismounted and as he dismounted, the boot’s retaining strap would feed out; allowing the boot’s bucket to pivot away from the horse and the butt stock of the rifle would be drawn out of the boot. This specimen is complete with a fully functional folding metal support frame for the leather lined ring, the full length security strap fitted with a snap hook that attached to the trigger guard on the rifle, and the small retention strap which secured the ring assembly in the closed position – a piece normally found broken and/or missing.  The leather is strong and pliable with a bright shiny surface, it maintains a light russet color, is not oil soaked and it exhibits very little wear.  The leather base and the depending strap are both stamped "CAV 58" and "CAV DET" respectively, both unit applied identification marks. This is an excellent specimen of a fairly scarce piece of the Model 1912 Horse Equipment and would be a nice addition to display on your Model 1904 Enlisted Man’s Garrison Belt.  Model 1903 enlisted saber hanger features bright clear russet leather with no crazing or flaking. Both brass fastening buttons and leather sliding keepers are present on both straps. The short strap is legibly stamped “RIA” (Rock Island Arsenal), dated “1903”, the first year of production, and the inspector initials “TC”. The long strap is stamped “? 5”, perhaps for the 5th Cavalry Regiment, and then "57", for the unit inventory number **Leather shows some light wear and age but is still supple and pliable with all the hooks, studs, belt rings, buckles, and straps present and intact with no tearing, chipping, or holes. Overall in excellent condition.** $800-$1,200
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