Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic, nearly unissued condition example of the rather rare M-1912 Experimental Cavalry Belt. This ammunition belt and firearm carrying system was introduced during the same time that the days of the mounted cavalry were drawing to an end. While the horse soldier would remain important for a few more years because of his ability to travel and scout in rough terrain, the advent of motorized vehicles and aircraft soon replaced the cavalry in that role.

The Model of “1912 Cartridge Belt, Cal. 30, Cavalry”, was part of a complete set of cavalry accouterments that were designed and approved by the Cavalry Equipment Board at Rock Island Arsenal in 1912. The complete set included a new saddle and bridle, as well as other related horse tack such as pommel pockets and a picket pin, and a specialized “boot” that was to be used in conjunction with the new belt to carry the trooper’s M-1903 rifle.

All pieces of this belt rig are in very good condition with no extensive damage or staining present. The only marking present can be found on the ammunition belt and states the manufacturer as being RUSSELL and dated 1918.

Comes more than ready for display!

The Model 1912 Rifle Belt Ring was a component of the unique, and somewhat complicated, system of interrelated equipment which defined the Model 1912 Trial Equipment. The Rifle Belt Ring was located over the soldier’s left hip – whether it was this ring which was mounted on a slide which fit the leather garrison belt, or the ring permanently attached to the Model 1912 Mills Pocketed Cartridge Belt which was worn in the field. The M1912 Belt Ring was designed to be set at a right angle to the soldier’s body when in use supporting the rifle, and when dismounted, the soldier could fold the ring down against his body and “out of the way”. When the soldier was mounted on horseback, the rifle was carried upright, with the muzzle passing through the ring until the forestock rested in the leather padded belt ring, and butt stock of the rifle was inserted into the Rifle Carrier Boot which was attached to, and hung below, the left, or “near” side of the saddle.

The strap, depending on the Belt Ring assembly, was snapped through the trigger guard, and with the rifle secured with the forestock through the ring, the rifle was effectively attached to the soldier’s body – for better or worse. A retaining strap on the Rifle Boot kept the boot upright until the soldier dismounted and as he dismounted, the retaining strap would feed out; allowing the boot to pivot away from the horse and the butt stock of the rifle would be drawn out of the boot.

This method of carrying the rifle was not only introduced for trial, but apparently was used to considerable extent, most notably during the Punitive Expedition into Mexico.