Identifying old cartridge belts

[Alonzo]

That looks to be a Spaulding belt. This was a contractor which made belts just prior to the turn of the century.
It is identified by the "sewn on cartridge loops and leather re-enforced end. IT used a lighter brass keeper as seen in the photo, as well as a light "C" closure to hooks the two ends together.
The Mills manufactured belts were a heavier web, and the loop were woven as part of the belt, not sewn on, generally the Mills belts had a brass end, with hooks whihc would wrap around the belt and the "C" closure was very heavy. I should not here that there were a few variation of the Mills belt whihc had no brass ends, just a raw cut end...these would fray quite badly and some soldiers would repair themselves. That is a very nice belt you have there!!!!!!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.