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324

Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot for the 1903 Springfield Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot for the 1903 Springfield Rifle
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The Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot was a component of the unique, and somewhat complicated, system of interrelated equipment which defined the Model 1912 Trial Equipment. The rifle carrier boot’s upper strap attached to the left, or “near” side, cantle loop on the saddle and was used in conjunction with the Model 1912 Enlisted Garrison Belt or the Model 1912 Mills Pocketed Cartridge Belt – both of which were fitted with a leather padded belt ring.  The rifle was carried upright, with the muzzle inserted into the belt ring midway down the forestock, and the rifle’s butt was placed in the carrier boot’s “bucket”.  The retaining strap on the boot kept the boot upright until the soldier dismounted and as he dismounted, the retaining strap would feed out, allowing the boot to pivot away from the horse and the butt stock of the rifle would be drawn out of the boot.   Soldiers experienced bewilderment at the mind which was capable of conceiving this system.  Nonetheless, this method of carrying the rifle was not only introduced for trial, but was apparently used to considerable extent, most notably during the Punitive Expedition into Mexico. To fully appreciate how this system of equipment was employed, see photograph of the mounted soldier, from the 1916 US Army manual, Description and Directions For Use and Care of Cavalry Equipment Model of 1912. The leather surfaces of the boot and standing plate are particularly nice, having an even medium caramel russet color with minimal color variances and retaining an even shiny surface  with no crazing or other signs of severe wear or aging. The rear surface of the standing plate has a bright, legible “ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL” stamp which includes the date of manufacture, “1918”. The back of the boot bucket and the front of the standing plate are stamped with various piece workers and inspectors initials. The full length attaching strap was manufactured with the rough side of the leather out, proper for much of this 1912 equipment. The retaining strap, also full length, has some crazing at the tip, but it is still flexible and strong. Not a particularly common piece of US Cavalry equipment, this is an especially nice example of the Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot, and one that would never need to be upgraded.     **This Model 1912 Rifle Carrier Boot is in excellent condition. The boot is complete with both of the full length attaching and retaining straps, and the swivel on the bottom of the boot is present, intact and fully functional. The boot holds its shape and is full form, with only some very minor scuffing on the interior surface. These boots are often found oil soaked and misshapen, making the condition of this specimen notable.** $600-$800
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