Item Description
Original Item. Only One Available. Original Item: Only One Available. Pre-WWI U.S. Army Model 1910 Garrison Belt with Eagle Snap Cartridge Pouches and a bayonet hanger. One of the most attractive, and sought after, pieces of early U.S. web gear! This belt is in the pre-WWI “pea green” shade of canvas, with matching pouches, each with “Eagle Snap” fasteners. The left pouch is marked with the Bullet Mills Logo, and dated “1918”. The belt itself is marked on each adjustment tab MADE BY / MILLS WOVEN CARTRIDGE BELT CO. / WORCHESTER, MASS. USA.. The opposite of these tabs have patent dates, 1901 and 1905. The buckle still connects and functions very well!
The back of the belt bears a stencil for the 3rd Infantry Regiment, Company A. The 3rd Infantry is the oldest regiment still active in the Regular Army, having been first organized as the First American Regiment in 1784. In 1916, the 3rd Infantry, then commanded by Colonel Julius Penn, was sent to the Texas-Mexico Border during the Pancho Villa Expedition and guarded against a possible invasion. During World War I, the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry, along with the 3rd Battalion, was posted at Camp Eagle Pass in Texas. The 1st Battalion was located at Del Rio, Texas and the 2nd Battalion was at Fort Sam Houston. The number 51 is stenciled next to the unit stencil, likely a soldier or rack number.
The pouches and bayonet hanger are all in phenomenal condition and have certainly been with the belt since it was originally worn. Canvas is in excellent condition, considering the age of the belt. There are no signs of dry rot and the pea green color is nice and rich, showing little signs of fading. All brass pieces have developed a pleasing bronze-like patina over the years. Both eagle snaps are fully functional. This is a fantastic example of a WWI-Era Garrison belt to the oldest still active regiment in U.S. History.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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