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I've looked in my resource books and on the internet, but have been unable to identify this Mills woven cartridge belt. It has 40 closed end cartridge loops. The belt is about 2 3/4" wide. the loops are about 2 3/8" tall. The cartridge shown is a 34-40 Krag. Any help will be appreciated.
I can't identify it for sure. This link: http://www.history.army.mil/html/mus...survey_uwa.pdf has an extensive survey of US army equipment and uniforms. Spanish-American war era items start near page 40. It appears similar to the .45 cal Mills belt of the era but the loops being flush with the top and having closed ends aren't consistent with the other belts of that time. I'd say it might not be standard US military issue, or it could just have been made slightly different by another manufacturer.
It's most likely a civilian hunting belt. Mills made a shotgun belt as well,with a dog on the earlier H type buckle.
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It's a state issue khaki web belt to arm militia and National Guard circa 1895 or thereabouts. The dead giveaway is the properly patinaed stencilled number on the back of the belt. Lots of militia issue cartridge belts were purchased by the individual states who were responsible for arming their militia units before they were 'federalized' in the Spanish American War era . The thimble style cartridge loops are certainly interesting, as I cannot say I have ever seen one of these before. Likely fitted with a stamped brass state belt plate back in the day.
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We should all be aware that the machinery for making Mills type of equipment was sold to India and is still being used to produce items today.
Also, reproduction Indian leather bandoliers for individual cartridges and also pockets for .303 Ammo in Chargers is now showing up, particularly on E-bay and other Dealers.
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