Ammo pouch

This McKeever Pouch was produced at Watervliet Arsenal and has the brass buckles for shoulder straps in lieu of the belt straps. The finish is partially cracked and shows that at one time it was highly polished. Unknown if it was used at West Point or some other military academy.

DAN,
I HAVE A McKeever like that. It at onetime had a polished finish. From what i understand the were used mostly in garrison with the dress uniform, That in the field they used the ammo. belt's. Which make's sense to me esp. in the cavalry.
But i've been wrong many times before....Nice looking pouch.

I have seen many like this, modified for the NY National Guard. They are frequently seen with large brass regimental numbers on the front.

Actualy early on, the cavalry used the Dyer Pouch. Lined with lambs wool instead of loops on the inside, and the rounds were loose. The mills belt came in a bit later. Of course there were alternatives cartridge belts made up by the company tailor/saddler with belt loops.