Krag canvas ammo belt identification.

[Nigel]

I recently acquired what I believe to be a Spanish-American War volunteer pattern 50 round canvas Krag .30-40 cartridge belt made by Spalding & Bros. For its age it is in remarkable condition. It is marked on the inside with what looks like Co D USV Engineers but no indication as to which of the three Volunteer Engineer Regiments. In Bruce Canfield's book on U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles he describes the same belt with a picture of one on page 175. However, he says they are 60 round capacity which is different from my 50 round belt. Has any one got one and can they count the loops (single loops not double like the Mills belt) so we can verify the correct capacity?

[butlersrangers]

Actually, judging by the refined end-fittings, sewn on loops, and pattern of colored threads, I believe your belt was made by Hurburt.

I have a similar belt with the same end-devices and 50 cartridge loops. It was later dyed Navy Blue, possibly by the Michigan National Guard, but has faded considerably.

I believe Spaulding Cartridge Belts are very light-weight, have ends that are covered with a very thin leather binding, have sewn-on loops, and are adjusted by simply folding and preserving the fold with a light brass-wire "C".

During campaigns, a heavy wire "C" closure usually served as a "Buckle", (like on the OP's), with belts from all manufacturers.

[butlersrangers]

Some attached photos of SAW 50 round web cartridge belts.
The first photos are of a khaki Hurlburt belt and a Hurlburt belt that has been reissued and dyed blue (but badly faded).

The last photo is a Spaulding belt.

[Nigel]

I think you are right and Canfield is mistaken. What he shows as a Spalding on page 175 of US Military Bolt Action Rifles is in fact a Hurlburt. Canfield goes on to say that the Spalding cartridge belts were "markedly inferior to the Mills-type belt in construction and utility". This certainly fits in with the Spalding belt you show (is it Spaulding or Spalding?). Canfield also describes the Hulbert belt as having two rows of cartridge loops - I guess that is another error.

[butlersrangers]

"Spalding" is the correct spelling.
(Albert Spalding was a U.S. Baseball Pitcher, who founded a Sporting Goods company in 1876, that is still in business).

I believe, "Hurlburt" is the correct spelling for the manufacturer of your nice 50 round .30-40 belt.