Cross belt pouch identification sought |
Sawubona
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At risk of being Trollish ("funny, you don't look Trollish.") by answering some of my own questions, I found the aforementioned pouch described and pictured in Pierre Turner's most excellent book "Soldiers' Accoutrements of the British Army 1750-1900" (after I found the book again) as a 20 round Cavalry pouch approved in 1870 with internal tubes for the bullets and rings for the shoulder belt to carry Snider-Enfield cartridges. The pattern was altered in 1877 with the removal of the tubes (LoC 3269) so as to accommodate Martini Henry ammunition. I've no idea of the thinking for this as both cartridges have the same diameter to the brass hulls and would fit in the same size loops. Apparently, the tubes (loops) inside were reintroduced in 1882 but that pattern was not sealed until 1884 (LoC 4785). The pouch in question has no loops, as would be expected from its 1878 date of manufacture.
No info on the unusual texture of the leather, but it seems Messr Herbert Fowler was in a cavalry unit that carried MH carbines. The RA pouch is distinctly different in shape and an infantry officer's pouch is smaller for pistol ammunition. I believe that lancer's at the time didn't carry a carbine at all? |
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Cross belt pouch identification sought |
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