Author Topic: Belt Bag Question  (Read 2970 times)

Offline Okefinokee Outlaw

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Belt Bag Question
« on: December 15, 2016, 05:46:56 PM »
In the 1866-1868 period, would a belt bag have been used to carry a powder flask, caps, balls, spare cylinder, etc., or would a simple haversack have been used.  I cannot locate any photos, but I suspect something must have been carried.

Offline Tascosa Joe

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Re: Belt Bag Question
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2016, 06:33:20 PM »
OO:
By the end of the War of Northern Aggression most folks were using paper cartridges.  The Army issued pouches to carry these also I have seen cap boxes that were made for the belt.   
A couple of years back a belt set was for sale at some antique house, that had a 1851 Navy, belt holster, and two spare cylinder pouches on the belt.  One pouch contained a spare cylinder numbered to the pistol.  I think I got the line from River City John, but for the life of me I cannot remember.  As far as I know that pistol and belt set is a sole survivor.
T-Joe
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Offline Montana Slim

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Re: Belt Bag Question
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2017, 11:00:00 PM »
Both belt carry & haversack are feasible, so as far as authenticity, you could select either method. Personally I don't like excess weight on my belt as I'm usually toting two revolvers anyway...so, I favor keeping this gear in a shoulder-slung pouch. This also keeps my powder flask away from the firing line. I carry my caps in one or more cappers and always keep one on my person in event of a misfire.

Historically, my take is that the necessary flask, balls or conicals along with extra caps, cleaning equipment, etc. would likely have been kept in a pouch or sack which was generally stored at one's home, cabin or ranch.... or saddlebags or wagon when traveling afield. This would be during the period you requested (after 1865).

During the war, Northern soldiers exclusively used paper cartridges...it was the only form of ammunition issued. Confederates also issued paper cartridges, but due to their strained supplies of material, likely some loose ammunition was used in the field (user supplied). After the war, likely paper cartridges were available widely as surplus, but may not have stood up well due to age and rough handling. Hand cast bullets and loose powder loading would be most economical route then, just as today.

I've seen spare cylinders in only a few cased sets of firearms...& you'll find no period writing or discussions (only modern discussions). They did exist, but were certainly RARE.

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Re: Belt Bag Question
« Reply #3 on: Today at 03:26:17 AM »

Offline Okefinokee Outlaw

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Re: Belt Bag Question
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2017, 12:03:01 PM »
Thanks folks.

 

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